Mechanism against the fire of concrete
Fire resistance is due to the material’s ability to stand up in the event of a fire. At such high temperatures, many materials lose their strength, and hardening and peeling occur. However, concrete is a protective material. Various constituents are used to prepare concrete, including clay, limestone, gypsum, and aggregates, making the material impermeable to heat and flame. The component itself makes concrete non-combustible while chemically inert, so no additional fire protection is required. For more information, click here .
The low heat transfer rate allows the concrete to withstand extreme fire pressures without releasing toxic gases, fumes, or molten particles. In addition, concrete is also resistant to hazards such as floods, tornadoes, and hurricanes. This material is more energy-efficient than wood and also provides sound insulation. Talking about its fireproof qualities, concrete maintains the integrity of the structure and does not affect its ability to prevent fire.
Incombustible material:
This minimizes fire risk while requiring less maintenance to protect from fire damage. Factors affecting the fire resistance of concrete The exact composition is what affects the strength characteristics of concrete. Therefore, the following factors are considered:
Aggregates used in concrete are classified into three main categories: carbonated, siliceous, and lightweight. Limestone and limestone are carbonate aggregates. They are made from a combination of calcium or magnesium carbonate, which helps to remove the carbon dioxide in the fire while leaving the calcium oxide remaining.
Granite and sandstone form siliceous aggregates that reduce their strength by almost half, while clay, shale, or shale form lightweight aggregates. It is a carbonate and lightweight aggregate that retains its insulating properties to transfer heat at a much slower rate than normal-weight concrete. Generally, these are the ones with better fire resistance and compressive strength up to 650 degrees C (1200 degrees F).
Humidity
Moisture levels play a complex role in the performance of concrete in the event of a fire. For example, concrete that has not fully cured or has a significantly low water-to-cement ratio can deteriorate at a much faster rate. One made of silica fume or latex is also not fire-resistant. Density Concrete with a lower density will perform better in the event of a fire.
In addition, concrete with the proper consistency and dry lightweight aggregate performs better than normal-weight concrete. Permeability More permeable concrete will degrade performance, especially if it is partially dry.
Thickness
A thinner mixture will work better at high temperatures. Therefore, concrete with a rich mix exhibits better resistance to fire exposure.
Making fireproof concrete
As mentioned earlier, concrete is a mixture of two main components – aggregate and paste. Aggregates consist of several fine (5 mm or less) and coarse (up to 38 mm) components that make up this composition. Cement acts as a paste, again consisting of a series of materials that complement the stability of the concrete. Sometimes people also like to add slag, shells, and ash from coal-fired power plants to the pulp along with other chemicals and minerals. All these materials are then mixed and ground in appropriate proportions with a shovel until they are evenly distributed. This dry mixture is then mixed with water until no dry bags are left. The idea is to make the mixture look like a snowball – if it doesn’t crumble, the consistency is fine. If the mixture is soft, the concrete will not be workable. Additional ingredients also strengthen the concrete, giving it the color, hydration time, and durability it needs. It is cement and aggregate that give concrete the necessary fire resistance. When combined in appropriate amounts, they are chemically inactive and reduce thermal conductivity. This gives the material the design and fire performance it needs while maintaining its toughness.