Investigation of a continuum damage model as an indicator for the prediction of spalling in fire exposed concrete

► Calibrated damage model was shown to be useful indicator for spalling. ► Equivalent strain measure was critical to predicting appropriate patterns of damage. ► Treatment of ratio of tensile to compressive strength was important. ► Temperature dependence of damage initiation threshold was found to be critical. ► Ductility and its temperature dependence was found to be less significant.