October  2007  

Design solutions for enhancing the fire resistance of high strength concrete columns

V.K.R. Kodur

High strength concrete (HSC) is being increasingly used in a number of building applications, where structural fire safety is one of the major design considerations. Many research studies clearly indicate that the fire performance of HSC is different from that of normal strength concrete (NSC) and that HSC may not exhibit same level of performance as NSC in fire. This paper discusses the performance of HSC under fire conditions. A comparison is made of the fire resistance performance of HSC column with that of NSC column. The various factors that influence the structural behaviour of HSC columns under fire conditions are discussed. Data from earlier experimental and numerical studies is used to illustrate the impact the concrete (material) mix design and structural detailing (design) has on fire performance of HSC systems. Finally, design solutions are presented for mitigating spalling and enhancing fire endurance of HSC columns.



















A comparative evaluation of OPC and PPC concretes

Virendra Raghav Savalia, Praveen Kumar and Surendra Kumar Kaushik

Test results of an experimental study aimed at investigating the performance of fly ash based blended cement for compressive strength, chloride permeability and electrical resistivity of concrete are presented. Three concrete mix proportions were made with water to cement ratios in the range 0.42 to 0.27, each with three different brands of commercially available PPCs and one OPC. Significant amounts of increase in the concrete resistivity and decrease in the chloride permeability of concrete is observed with the use of fly ash based PPC as compared to OPC. It is also observed that concrete showing higher compressive strength may not have good durability characteristics.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Modelling of reinforced concrete framed buildings with soft ground storey : A case study

M. Koti Reddy, D.S. Prakash Rao and A.R. Chandrasekaran

Natural frequencies of a seven storey reinforced concrete framed structure with open stilt floor were determined by monitoring its ambient vibrations using a triaxial seismometer and the results were compared with those of the analytical models. The framed structure was modelled as bare frame, frame with floor slabs and with staircase to determine the most appropriate model to predict its natural frequencies and thereby its seismic behaviour. The effective modulus of elasticity of concrete to be used in the analysis was obtained by matching the experimental and analytical values. The contribution of staircase and lift well in sharing the lateral forces due to seismic loading was also investigated, particularly in the sensitive stilt floor. Suggestions to improve the performance of the building by introducing additional structural elements at stilt floor level without affecting parking requirements are also included.