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Self-compacting and now fire-proof, too

A conflict of interest for concrete users: fire resistance vs self-compacting ability

The SAP-containing concrete element resisted temperatures of about 1000 °C, and its capacitance was preserved. The slab made of concrete without SAP showed some severe spalling which reduced the loading capacity of the slab and raised the risk of a collapse. Source: Empa

A wide range of possible applications for fire-resistant self-compacting concrete

Researchers from Empa tested a SAP-containing concrete slab with a radiant heater. Some discolouring emerged at the surface of the concrete element, but no spalling occurred. (Copyright: courtesy of Prof. Luke Bisby, head of the IEE-BRE fire safety center of The University Edinburgh)