ABSTRACT
Usually the mechanical properties such as strength, modulus of elasticity and volume stability of concrete are significantly reduced during exposure to fire. Exposing concrete to high temperature, considerably changes its chemical composition and physical condition. Dehydration from release of chemically bound water in calcium silicate hydrates becomes significant above about 110◦C. Dehydration of the hydrated calcium silicate and the thermal expansion of the aggregates increase internal stresses and from 300◦C significant amounts of micro cracks are induced in the material (Arioz, 2007).
