Improved Resistance of Reinforced Concrete Columns in Fire Exposure by Strengthening Stirrup Reinforcement

Fire exposure is very dangerous to the column. The strength of the column will be reduced due to exposure to fire. Stirrups can be used to confine concrete from spalling and minimize buckling of reinforcing steel. Based on these reasons, it is necessary to conduct research on the improved resistance of reinforced concrete columns in fire exposure by strengthening stirrup reinforcement. Six concrete columns with a cross section of 150 × 150 mm2 with a length of 1000 mm were used in this study. Four reinforcement bars with a diameter of 10 mm and stirrups with a diameter of 6 mm were used with stirrup spacing variations of 60, 90, and 120 mm. Three specimens were exposed to fire and the other three were not. From the results of the study, it was found that the variation of stirrup spacing below the maximum space based on the code did not significantly affect the strength of the column. Maximum stirrup spacing in code was enough for fire exposure.