Degradation reactions in concretes exposed to high temperatures

Abstract

The aim of this chapter is to present the relevant degradation processes occurring at the micro-level in concrete exposed to high temperatures, with special interest to the differences associated with High Performance Concrete (HPC) and Self Compacted Concretes (SCC) in respect to Ordinary Concrete. The microstructure of concrete can be identified using appropriate techniques sensitive to detect changes in concrete components that occur at micro level. The main items considered in present chapter are: 1.Chemical Degradation reactions. 2.Physical degradation processes. 3.Thermal changes.