Thermally Damaged Concrete: Repair through Textile-Reinforced Mortar Jackets
Klajdi Toska, Anne‐Lise Beaucour, Flora Faleschini, Carlo Pellegrino, Albert Noumowé
Abstract
The paper explores the residual mechanical properties of concrete subjected to high temperatures and assesses the effectiveness of confining jackets with textile-reinforced mortars (TRMs) in restoring the axial strength of thermally damaged concrete elements. The experimental investigation involved exposing concrete specimens to four distinct temperature levels: ambient (20°C), 300°C, 450°C, and 600°C. The heating process was controlled at a rate of 1°C per minute. After thermal exposure, specimens were wrapped with confining jackets composed of carbon textiles embedded in a cementitious matrix. The findings reveal that exposure to high temperatures significantly deteriorates the compressive strength of concrete specimens, and the extent of strength reduction is directly correlated to the temperature level. The application of TRM jackets demonstrated a strong capacity to restore the compressive strength of thermally damaged concrete elements. Depending on the degree of thermal damage, the confinement provided by TRM jackets either fully or partially reinstated the original compressive strength of the concrete columns. The experimental data underscore the considerable impact of thermal stresses on the structural integrity of concrete, emphasizing the critical need for effective rehabilitation techniques. The use of TRM jackets emerges as a promising method for the structural repair and reinforcement of concrete elements exposed to high temperatures, offering a feasible solution for extending the service life of fire-damaged concrete structures.