Fracture toughness of concretes at high temperature

Abstract

The fracture toughness of ordinary and refractory concretes in the range of 20–1300‡C was investigated, and the stress intensity factor, K _Ic, on three-point bent specimens (according to ASTM E-399 recommendation) determined. With an increase in testing temperature, the stress intensity factor decreases for both concretes. The values of K _Ic at 20‡C for both concretes are comparable, being equal to 0.64 MNm^−3/2 for ordinary concrete, and 0.72 MNm^−3/2 for refractory concrete, respectively. At 1100‡C, K _Ic has a value of 0.043 MNm^−3/2 for ordinary concrete, and for the refractory concrete at 1300‡C, K _Ic=0.34 MNm^−3/2. The method presented for predicting the behaviour of concrete at high temperature may be used in engineering practice.