A theoretical study of the effect of coatings on concrete members under fire

Generally most concrete structures have coatings on their members. Basically the coatings can be classified into two categories: non-combustible and combustible. For non-combustible coating, such as mortar rendering, it is a retardant, which prevents fire heat penetrating to their inner structural members. So the fire safety of concrete structures is improved by this kind of rendering. On other hand, combustible rendering is a fire load that can produce additional heat during fire. And as a result, more damage would be incurred by concrete structures with combustible decorative materials if fire were encountered. In this paper utilising the Eurocode indoor temperature-time relationship under fire condition and concrete non-linear analysis approach, the distribution of temperature within the section of concrete members and the load bearing capacity has been investigated. Based on the analysis of results, factors related to the fire safety of concrete structures have been discussed.