Thermal/Fire Resistance Studies on Cermabond-569 and Ldam Coated Concrete Structures at Elevated Temperature

Abstract

RCC structures under elevated temperatures/ fire conditions, results in the structural damage and sometimes leads to structural collapse. It is very difficult to predict the behavior of a concrete at elevated temperatures because the fire spread is random and the heating profile is unpredictable. Excessive heating of concrete over long duration will degrade in mechanical properties and lead to structural failure. In the present study, thermal protection coatings have been explored to reduce the conduction of heat/fire into the core of concrete for protection of the concrete linings and reinforcing steel. Experiments are carried out using Cermabond-569 and Low density ablative material (LDAM) coatings on M30 and M40 concrete structures with 2mm and 4mm thickness as per the specification of Hydro carbon fire curve. The temperature profile across the front and back surface are measured as a function of time.  From Temp-Time plots, the temperature difference (∆T) between uncoated and coated samples was observed as 200⁰C for Cermabond and it is 140⁰C for LDAM coated samples.  Increase in (∆T), was observed with respect to thickness of coating. Cermabond-569 coating has good adhesion, low porosity and low thermal conductivity compared to LDAM coating. It is concluded that for M30 and M40 RCC structures, Cermabond-569 coating is most efficient for high thermal/fire resistance at elevated temperatures.