Investigation of the structural behavior of steel-reinforced concrete beams exposed to elevated temperatures

In this study, effects of high temperatures on the structrual behaviour of reinforced concrete beams were investigated. Within the scope of the research, reinforced concrete beams cube concrete specimens, steel reinforcement and pull-out specimens were produced under the same conditions and were gradually exposed to temperatures up to 800°C in the ceramic furnace. It was then subjected to tests inline with the related codes. The results of the experiments were evaluated by comparing with each other. When the results were investigated in general, there was not a significant decrease in yield strength of the steel up to 600ºC, but a decrease in concrete compressive strength of nearly 45% was seen at 800°C, concrete compressive strength decreased by 82% while steel yield strength decreased by nearly 30%. It could be suggested that the main reason of the bond-bearing capacity of the produced beam specimens is the damage on the concrete and the reduction of the concrete-reinforcement bonding due to this damage.