International Research Journal of Education and Technology

Reinforced concrete (RC) beams are essential elements in structural systems, valued for their strength, durability, and inherent fire resistance; however, their performance can be severely compromised during fire events due to several critical factors. High temperatures cause thermal degradation of concrete, leading to a loss of compressive strength and microstructural damage, while the bond between concrete and steel reinforcement weakens, reducing the composite action vital to beam behavior. Spalling—where surface layers of concrete explosively break off due to thermal and pore pressure—exposes inner layers to heat, accelerating damage. The yield strength and stiffness of steel reinforcement also diminish with rising temperatures, further lowering load-carrying capacity and increasing the risk of collapse. Experimental studies and numerical simulations have been instrumental in identifying these failure mechanisms and understanding the impact of parameters such as heating rate, duration, load level, and cross-sectional size. Post-fire assessments provide real-world insights into residual capacity and damage patterns. To mitigate these risks, research has focused on improving fire-resistant design through advanced materials, protective coatings, and predictive fire modeling tools. Nevertheless, challenges remain in accurately simulating fire-structure interactions and understanding long-term post-fire performance, highlighting the need for further research to develop more resilient RC beam systems in fire-prone environments.

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Key Words:- Reinforced concrete (RC), High temperatures, Thermal degradation, Experimental studies, numerical simulations, fire modeling tools