Non-destructive characterisation of mortars reinforced with various fibres exposed to high temperature

Abstract

The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of temperature on the physical and mechanical properties of standard mortar reinforced with steel fibers, polypropylene fibers and hybrid fibers. Non-destructive tests (capillary water absorption, interconnected porosity, gas permeability, ultrasound celerity) were carried out on samples that had been heated, at a temperature ramp of 5 °C/min, to maximum temperature of: 105 °C, 400 °C, 500 °C et 800 °C. The results show a good correlation between the evolution of properties and the damage resulting from the imposed heat exposure treatment. The study shows that there is a significant deterioration of physico-mechanical properties of the fiber mortars above 500 °C. The hybrid fiber mortars show a good compromise: the polypropylene fibers guarantee a thermal stability whereas the steel fibers act to conserve good mechanical behavior.