Flexural behavior of hybrid PVA fibers reinforced ferrocement panels at elevated temperatures

Fire safety should consider not only the performance of the structure after the fire but also the behavior during the fire. The structural fire reliability performance of hybrid PVA fiber reinforced ferrocement (HFF) panels is experimentally determined based on its flexural characteristics and damage during the exposure to elevated temperatures. The residual compressive strength of 60 cubs was also tested after exposed to temperatures. In addition, 30 HFF panels were tested to evaluate their structural capacity by conducting an in-situ binding test during the heating of up to 200°C, 400°C, 600°C, and 800°C, and compared with control samples tested at ambient (24°C) temperature condition. The main parameters investigated were the specimen thickness and the effect of using mineral admixtures (fly ash and silica fume) in the mortar mixtures. The results show a strength decline of both flexural and compressive strengths as temperature increases. The bending capacity at 800°C is reduced to about 90% of the ambient capacity only. In between the 2 temperatures, the reduction rate is found to be almost linear. A theoretical prediction of the moment capacity reduction shows a good agreement with the test results.