Residual compressive properties of strain-hardening cementitious composite with different curing ages exposed to high temperature

• The residual compressive properties of post-fire SHCC specimens were discussed.
• The influence of different curing ages was considered for post-fire SHCC specimens.
• The influence of two cooling methods was considered for post-fire SHCC specimens.
• The micro structural characterization was examined to support the test conclusions.

This paper discussed the compressive properties of strain-hardening cementitious composite (SHCC) specimens with different curing ages varying from 1 to 28 days. The SHCC specimens exposed to four high temperatures which were 200, 400, 600 and 800 °C. The influence of different cooling methods (quenching in water and cooling in air) was also considered. The residual compressive strength and stiffness of the post-fire specimens of all curing ages generally decreased as temperatures increased. Specimens quenched in water gained better mechanical properties than those cooled in air. The micro structural characterization was examined before and after exposure to high temperature by scanning electron microscopy and the pore size distribution was obtained by mercury intrusion porosimetry. The results from the micro tests explained the mechanical properties of the post-fire SHCC specimens well.