Parametric Study on the Fire Resistance of Reinforced Concrete Slabs under ISO 834 Standard Fire Exposure

International Journal of Civil Engineering

© 2026 by SSRG - IJCE Journal

Volume 13 Issue 3

Year of Publication : 2026

Authors : Riza Suwondo, Made Suangga, Irpan Hidayat

10.14445/23488352/IJCE-V13I3P118

How to Cite?

Riza Suwondo, Made Suangga, Irpan Hidayat, "Parametric Study on the Fire Resistance of Reinforced Concrete Slabs under ISO 834 Standard Fire Exposure," SSRG International Journal of Civil Engineering, vol. 13,  no. 3, pp. 247-254, 2026. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23488352/IJCE-V13I3P118

Abstract:

The design of reinforced concrete slabs needs to take into account fire protection, as extreme heat can damage both concrete and steel and can therefore compromise the structure’s ability to support loads. This study addresses the impact of cover, thickness, and concrete compressive strength on the fire resistance of concrete slabs. The main goal of the study is to identify the important parameters and effective methods to improve fire resistance. The performance of a benchmark slab, which is simply supported and exposed to the ISO fire, was analysed. Models of strength deterioration were used to assess the concrete and steel reinforcements, and the bending strength deterioration was assessed. Results indicate that the fire resistance of the slab was increased by approximately 10 minutes by increasing the slab thickness from 180 mm to 220 mm, and the cover increased from 15 to 20 mm, with a significant 25-minute improvement. In contrast, all ranges of concrete compressive strength reached the limit of approximately 65 minutes, so no significant improvement was observed. The most significant improvement to fire resistance was observed with increased cover, followed by increased slab thickness, and little to no improvement was observed by increasing the compressive strength of concrete. These results provide practical guidance for the performance based fire design of concrete slabs, emphasising targeted improvements in cover depth as an efficient means to enhance fire endurance.

Keywords:

Reinforced concrete slab, Fire resistance, Concrete cover, Slab thickness, Bending strength degradation.

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