Optimizing choice of polypropylene fiber geometry for preventing spalling of high performance concrete due to fire

This article presents a work on optimization of choice of polypropylene fiber dosage and geometry to ensure thermal stability of high performance concrete subjected to fire. Three cementitious materials with different granular skeletons containing polypropylene fibers are studied. Experimental campaign of fire tests is conducted on uniaxially compressed concrete prisms via mobile gas furnace. Then, thermo-mechanical simulations are accomplished to validate experimental findings. Results show that an optimal PP fiber length should be selected in accordance with aggregate size. PP fiber diameter has shown to have no significant influence on spalling prevention.