Analysis of the behaviour of the structural concrete after the fire at the Windsor Building in Madrid

The analysis of the concrete subjected to high temperatures is usually undertaken by means of tests specifically designed and carried out in the laboratory, or by using theoretical approaches using standardized curves for theoretical fires. An analysis by different techniques has been carried out on structural concrete to real fire of Windsor Building in Madrid, which was severally damaged by a fire in 2005. These techniques are X-ray diffraction, differential thermal and thermogravimetric analysis and backscattered electron microscopy with dispersive X-ray microanalysis. Samples of the concrete were taken from different floors in the building and analyses were carried out at different depths starting from the surface exposed to the fire itself. The analysis allows the damaged area to be limited as well as situating the 500 degrees C isotherm in the concrete element. In accordance with the results obtained, the damage is limited to just a few centimeters from the surface exposed to the fire itself, in spite of its prolonged exposure to the fire. This would justify that the concrete has demonstrated a suitable resistant behaviour. Likewise, it can be deduced from the results obtained that the fire, to which the concrete was subjected, can be qualified as severe. Also, these results can confirm that the calculation hypothesis in the project is correct in relation to the fire resistance exigencies of the concrete. Copyright (C) 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.