This paper has as a goal to present the results of experimental investigations on the behavior of concrete when submitted to high temperatures. A concrete of common utilization in our region, with cement and usual aggregates mixed in usual proportions (mix), was submitted to tempera- tures of 300ºC, 600ºC and 900ºC, in order to assess probable variations in its compression strength, tensile strength and deformation module. The effect of rapidly cooling concrete, usual in fire fighting, was assessed; a few test bodies submitted to high temperatures were rapidly cooled and others were slowly cooled (to room temperature). The probable recovery of the mechanical properties under investigation following concrete rehydration - after a possible reduction from the effects of the high temperatures applied - was also assessed; test bodies were submitted to high temperatures and cooled slowly; a few were immersed in water and others were wrapped up in plastic film and then evaluated in relation to the researched properties for concrete ages of 28, 56, 112 and 224 days after slow cooling. Upon finishing this work, important results on the effect of high temperatures on concrete mechanical properties were obtained, thus providing a major contribution for the recovery design of structures that had been subject to fire.
concrete; fire; mechanical propeties