Development of methodology for studying the effect of temperature on the mechanical properties of concrete

This article is the first in a series of articles devoted to the generalization and analysis of numerous published materials on the study of mechanical properties of concrete during heating. The need to study the effect of heating temperature on the mechanical characteristics of concrete is due to the need for their use in applied practical calculation methods for assessing the fire resistance of structures. An idea is given about the scope of the available research programs, their accessibility and differences. The results of numerous and diverse studies of the strength and deformation characteristics of concrete are described, confirmed by special methods of studying the effects of temperature. Studies of the mechanical properties of concrete during heating were carried out using various testing methods, different types and compositions of concrete, which led to a wide variety of data, which makes it difficult to establish any patterns. The relationship between stresses and deformations for concrete during heating cannot be obtained from experiments in direct form, and a methodology is needed to determine the required characteristics. The conclusion is made about the need for standardization of test conditions, scientific generalization, structuring and analysis of the revealed variety of results of studying the mechanical properties of concrete during heating, which can explain existing patterns and predict new ones.