Modeling pore pressure, moisture, and temperature in high-strength concrete columns exposed to fire

A mathematical and computational model to simulate a two-dimensional thermal response of high-strength concrete columns subjected to fire is presented. Contours as well as history and distribution profiles for temperature, moisture content, and pore pressure are illustrated as model output. The model's predictions are validated against ASTM E119 fire test data from a high-strength concrete (HSC) column test and are subsequently compared to output based on a hydrocarbon pool fire (ASTM E1529) exposure. The model's handling of input fires other than ASTM E119 demonstrates its usefulness and adaptability to a performance-based design environment. Results from parametric studies reveal the importance of performing thermophysical material property tests under fin exposures similar to those at which full-scale specimens are to be tested. The influence of size effects on data obtained from small- and large-scale fire test programs is discussed.