Pakawat Sancharoen

Damage analysis of an RC column subjected to long-term transient elevated temperature

Damage in a reinforced concrete column subjected to long-term elevated temperature (approximately 150°C) was studied by conducting detail inspection as well as finite element analysis. The damage information was collected through visual inspection, non-destructive tests, coring, and chemical analysis. Inspection results illustrated more damage level in the portion exposed to high temperature. Chemical analysis as well as cracking patterns indicated that the damage was not the same as the damage caused by fire attack and was not caused by chloride penetration, carbonation or sulphate attack. The mechanism of the damage was clarified by using finite element analysis with a condition of sudden drop of surface temperature. It was found from the analysis that cracking can be induced on the surface of the column due to temperature gradient if there is a substantial surface temperature drop.