Possibilities of observation of behaviour of concrete- and cement-based composite materials exposed to high temperatures

The paper describes possibilities of observation of behaviour of concrete-and cement-based composite material exposed to high temperatures. Nowadays, for large-scale tests of behaviour of concrete exposed to high temperatures, testing devices of certified fire testing stations and laboratories are used. These tests are quite expensive. For experimental verification of smaller test specimens, a testing device was built at the Brno University of Technology, where tests of thermal loading of concrete tests specimens of various sizes can be carried out (dimensions up to 800 x 800 x 800 mm or slabs of length up to 1100 mm). The testing device opens new ways of observation of behaviour of concrete- and cement-based composite materials exposed to high temperatures. First test results are discussed to prove their applicability in comparison with large-scale tests.