Abstract:

In the case of fire in infrastructure works, the bearing capacity of reinforced-concrete structures will be reduced due to the effect of high temperatures. So, the refractory concrete with good thermal properties contributes an important role in reducing the impact of fire on the durability of the building. Nowadays, calcium aluminate cement is widely used for that thanks to the thermal stability of the respective concrete by the high content of aluminum. This paper presents experimental and numerical results of heat transfer in cylindrical specimens of calcium aluminate cement-based refractory concrete. As experimental results, with a calcium aluminate content of about 50% in concrete, its thermal properties have been significantly improved in comparison with other types of cementitious concrete. The evolution of temperature as a function of time (inside and outside of the concrete specimen) was also recorded and analyzed. In the 3-D model, the thermal properties of refractory concrete were used from the previous experimental results. The results of this model were used to compare with experiments, then analyze and evaluate factors affecting the model results. The numerical model could also be exploited to determine the thermal parameters in the heat transfer in refractory concrete specimen.