Post-Fire Mechanical Properties of Concrete Reinforced with Spanish Broom Fibers

In this study, we conducted an initial investigation of the post-fire mechanical properties of concrete reinforced with Spanish broom fibers. The mechanical properties were determined at room temperature, and the post-fire mechanical properties were determined at elevated temperature, so that the fire resistance of the concrete could be determined. Five mixtures were considered: three with differently treated Spanish broom fibers, a polypropylene fiber mixture, and a reference concrete mixture. The concrete and reinforced concrete samples were first dried to 100 °C, then heated to 400 °C, and left to cool to room temperature. The samples were tested immediately and 96 h after cooling. The compressive strength, weight loss, ultrasonic pulse velocity, and dynamic modulus of elasticity were determined and compared. The cross-sectional images of the concrete samples captured through an optical microscope were observed and analyzed. The changes in fiber structure were monitored by TG/DTG analysis. The results of the study indicate that even the reference concrete mixture did not have satisfactory residual properties. The reinforced concretes did not improve the residual properties of the reference concrete, but reduced the spalling and explosive failure performance under a compressive load. The concrete reinforced with Spanish broom fibers showed improved residual properties compared with concrete reinforced with polypropylene fibers.