High-Strength Concrete Reinforced Jute Fiber and Water-Soluble PVA Fiber Under High Temperature

Fire poses one of the most serious risks to concrete buildings and other concrete structures because it often results in explosive concrete spalling. The addition of organic fibres to high-strength concrete (HSC) is widely used as an effective measure to prevent explosive spalling. However, few studies have investigated the effectiveness of adding natural fibres to HSC in preventing spalling under high temperature. In this study, we examined the relationship between the spalling behaviour and the internal vapour pressure of HSC reinforced with natural fibre and organic fibre and subjected to heating. The concrete specimens had a water cement ratio of 0.30 (fc approximate to 70 MPa). The fibres used were jute (natural) fibre and water-soluble poly-vinyl alcohol (PVA:organic) fibre. The length of jute and PVA fibres were 12 mm and 4 mm, with addition rates of 0.075% and 0.15%, by volume, respectively. HSC specimens were subjected to high temperature and their internal temperature and vapour pressure were measured.