Mechanical and Physicochemical Properties of Photocatalytic White Concrete Exposed to High Temperatures

The present experimental work investigates the consequences of progressive damage in photocatalytic white concrete when exposed to different heating treatments. Heated and non heated specimens were tested for uniaxial compression, direct and indirect tensile strengths at ambient conditions approximately one day after the exposure to the high temperature. Modifications in the microstructure, porosity, and pore size distribution of the fire deteriorated specimens were identified using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) techniques. Test results revealed no significant variations in the mechanical strengths for tested specimens exposed to temperatures up to 250°C. In addition, no explosive spalling was observed in any specimens during the fire test