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Article
Publication date: 29 July 2014

Anson Wong

This paper aims at highlighting the significance in developing non-financial risk management, emphasizing the need of managing environmental and social issues for enhancing…

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims at highlighting the significance in developing non-financial risk management, emphasizing the need of managing environmental and social issues for enhancing corporate sustainability. Particularly, through discussing the implications of non-financial risk management, its benefits, opportunities and challenges will also be presented.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on authoritative academic literature, reports of corporations’ studies, current articles and documents, the researcher has managed to examine and construe the development and implications of non-financial risk management.

Findings

Several key findings are covered in this article. First of all, environmental and social concerns are usually being deemed as intangible issues that need to be properly articulated and managed by an effective non-financial risk management system for enhancing corporate sustainability. Second, through different interpretations of sustainability, links could be drawn for highlighting the significance of non-financial risk management and corporate sustainability. Third, by explaining the impacts from non-financial risk management to sustainable development and profits, the article has illustrated corporate sustainability as a clear business case for any corporation. Fourth, challenges are also portrayed for the effective management of non-financial risk management by corporations. Finally, and most importantly, the need of a systematic and strategic non-financial risk management system for helping businesses to be more competitive, thus, moving closer to sustainable development, is discussed in this paper.

Originality/value

The contribution of the article is thought to be significant. Although there exists a wide body of research on sustainable development, risk management and corporate sustainability, there is limited insight into how the corporations can effectively conceptualize such intangible or non-financial risk in relation to sustainability. Integrating environmental and social risks is critical to the effective management of any corporation’s real risks, and to improve resources allocation in a sustainable fashion. This demands a systematic and strategic identification of issues through non-financial risk management. Most significantly, this article has shown the way this can be achieved by any corporation, and the concepts can be applied globally.

Article
Publication date: 1 October 2002

R.V. Balendran, T.M. Rana, T. Maqsood and W.C. Tang

The inclusion of pozzolans like pulverised fuel ash (PFA), silica fume (SF) and metakaolin (MK) enhances the properties of concrete both in fresh and hardened states. In the case…

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Abstract

The inclusion of pozzolans like pulverised fuel ash (PFA), silica fume (SF) and metakaolin (MK) enhances the properties of concrete both in fresh and hardened states. In the case of high performance concrete (HPC), their role in enhancing the workability, strength and durability is extremely significant. However HPC has been observed to be more vulnerable than normal strength concrete when exposed to elevated temperatures. This paper presents an overview and discusses the strength and durability performance of high‐performance pozzolanic concretes incorporating PFA, SF, and MK subjected to elevated temperatures. Various researchers have demonstrated that addition of silica fume causes HPC to perform poorly when subjected to elevated temperatures. Higher loss of strength and spalling risks are also associated with it. Addition of PFA and MK has been found to improve the fire performance of HPC both in terms of residual strength and durability.

Details

Structural Survey, vol. 20 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-080X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 June 2015

Marija Jelcic Rukavina, Dubravka Bjegovic and Ivan Gabrijel

This paper presents an experimental research on the performance of high-strength selfcompacting concrete (SCC) with different mineral additives after exposure to high temperatures…

Abstract

This paper presents an experimental research on the performance of high-strength selfcompacting concrete (SCC) with different mineral additives after exposure to high temperatures of up to 600°C. For this purpose, four SCC mixtures were studied: one reference and three mixtures where the Portland cement was replaced with mineral additive (fly ash, metakaolin and limestone) in certain proportions. After natural cooling in the furnace, compressive strength and static modulus of elasticity were determined and compared to results obtained from other studies and those provided in EN 1992-1-2 and EN 1994-1-2 for normal-vibrated concrete. Additionally, acoustic emission (AE) parameters during compression test of heated and unheated specimens were also obtained which showed good non-destructive tool for identifying exposure temperature of the concrete needed for the assessment of concrete structures after fire.

Details

Journal of Structural Fire Engineering, vol. 6 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-2317

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 April 2023

S.N. Basavana Gowda, Subhash Yaragal, C. Rajasekaran and Sharan Kumar Goudar

In recent years, fire accidents in engineering structures have often been reported worldwide, leading to a severe risk to life and property safety. The present study is carried…

Abstract

Purpose

In recent years, fire accidents in engineering structures have often been reported worldwide, leading to a severe risk to life and property safety. The present study is carried out to evaluate the performance of Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS) and fly ash–blended laterized mortars at elevated temperatures.

Design/methodology/approach

This test program includes the replacement of natural river sand with lateritic fine aggregates (lateritic FA) in terms of 0, 50 and 100%. Also, the ordinary Portland cement (OPC) was replaced with fly ash and GGBS in terms of 10, 20, 30% and 20, 40 and 60%, respectively, for producing blended mortars.

Findings

This paper presents results related to the determination of residual compressive strengths of lateritic fine aggregates-based cement mortars with part replacement of cement by fly ash and GGBS exposed to elevated temperatures. The effect of elevated temperatures on the physical and mechanical properties was evaluated with the help of microstructure studies and the quantification of hydration products.

Originality/value

A sustainable cement mortar was produced by replacing natural river sand with lateritic fine aggregates. The thermal strength deterioration features were assessed by exposing the control specimens and lateritic fine aggregates-based cement mortars to elevated temperatures. Changes in the mechanical properties were evaluated through a quantitative microstructure study using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. The phase change of hydration products after exposure to elevated temperatures was qualitatively analyzed by greyscale thresholding of SEM images using Image J software.

Details

Journal of Structural Fire Engineering, vol. 14 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-2317

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 September 2010

Emmanuel Annerel and Luc Taerwe

Concrete structures have a good fire resistance. After the fire, depending on the amount of damage, they may be repaired and reused. However, knowledge is needed to do this in a…

Abstract

Concrete structures have a good fire resistance. After the fire, depending on the amount of damage, they may be repaired and reused. However, knowledge is needed to do this in a systematic and scientific way. This paper describes the parameters influencing the residual compressive strength of heated concrete. Since this strength decreases with temperature, the temperatures inside the concrete need to be known to assess the remaining load bearing capacity of concrete members. Two assessment techniques are discussed in this paper. Firstly, the colour alterations of the concrete surface and of the aggregates are measured, from which colour paths are derived. The shape of these paths allows to distinguish different temperature zones. Secondly, due to thermal decomposition of the cement matrix and thermal cracking at the interfacial transition zone, an increase of the porosity is found. This internal damage can be measured by the weight increase found after immersing concrete cores under water.

Details

Journal of Structural Fire Engineering, vol. 1 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-2317

Article
Publication date: 15 February 2011

Yi-Hai Li and Jean-Marc Franssen

An investigation into temperature induced degradation of the compressive strength of concrete including that under cooling phase is carried out. The paper gathers and reviews a…

Abstract

An investigation into temperature induced degradation of the compressive strength of concrete including that under cooling phase is carried out. The paper gathers and reviews a considerable amount of test data, considering the influence of different test parameters such as initial compressive strength, aggregate type, cooling regime and specimen shape. It is found that the compressive strength of concrete at high temperature is in accordance with the model proposed in the Eurocodes for calcareous concrete. However, during cooling phase, an additional reduction of compressive strength in concrete is observed, which can be as high as 20% of the initial strength for elevated temperatures around 500°C. Finally, a generic concrete model for temperature dependent compressive strength, accounting for both growth and cooling phase of temperature is proposed. The model can be used for simulating fire response of concrete structures subjected to natural fires or for the evaluation of residual load capacity of concrete structures after fire.

Details

Journal of Structural Fire Engineering, vol. 2 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-2317

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 July 2021

Vishal M. and Satyanarayanan K.S.

This paper delineates a literature review on fire-induced progressive collapse on structures and the effect of high temperature on structures and elements. After the occurrences…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper delineates a literature review on fire-induced progressive collapse on structures and the effect of high temperature on structures and elements. After the occurrences of fire in the World Trade Center in the USA, the researchers started concentrating on the progressive collapse that happens due to high temperature. Currently, most of the researchers are working on fire-induced progressive collapse on structures using high-temperature behavior on materials which are used for construction. The researchers have been doing an intensive study to find a better strategy to prevent the building from structural fire damage or collapse with available codes and guidelines throughout the world. This paper aims to provide a better understanding and analytical solutions on the basis of the recent works done by researchers in fire-induced progressive collapse and methods adopted to find the collapse mechanism.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is written by studying different literature papers of 109 related to progressive collapse on structures and fire-induced progressive collapse.

Findings

The behavior of structures due to high temperature and collapse conditions due to fire in different scenarios is identified.

Originality/value

This paper fulfills an identified need to study how the structure can withstand high-temperature conditions in our day-to-day lives.

Details

Journal of Structural Fire Engineering, vol. 12 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-2317

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 October 2020

Sachin V. and N. Suresh

Concrete is a widely used construction material which can be prepared using locally available resources (aggregates, cement and water) by following relevant standard guidelines…

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Abstract

Purpose

Concrete is a widely used construction material which can be prepared using locally available resources (aggregates, cement and water) by following relevant standard guidelines. The residual properties of concrete determined by heating in an electric furnace may not produce a similar effect of fire. The purpose of this paper is to compare the effect of a fire with that coming from the exposure of normal strength concrete to predetermined reference temperatures, for which two sets of specimens were heated in a fire furnace provided with gas burners and an electric furnace.

Design/methodology/approach

The concrete cubes and cylinders were subjected to 200oC, 400oC, 600oC and 800oC temperature in a gas-controlled fire furnace and an electric furnace for 2 h. The physical properties and mechanical properties of concrete were determined after cooling the specimens in air. The quality of concrete specimens was determined using the ultrasonic pulse velocity test, and surface hardness of the heat-exposed cubes was recorded using the Schmidt rebound hammer.

Findings

The fire-exposed specimens were found to have lower residual compressive strength, tensile strength and higher porosity/voids/internal cracks than the specimens heated in an electric furnace at the same temperature. Further, a good agreement with compressive strength and rebound numbers was observed for each of the two heating systems (flames coming from gas burners and electric furnace).

Originality/value

Normal strength concrete specimens exposed to heat in an electric furnace will not give the same effect of fire having the same maximum temperature. Further, it is noticed that concrete subjected to elevated temperature is sensitive to heating modalities, be it the flames of a gas furnace or the radiation of an electric furnace.

Details

Journal of Structural Fire Engineering, vol. 12 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-2317

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 January 2020

Virendra Kumar, Amit Kumar and Brajkishor Prasad

This paper aims to present an experimental investigation on the performances of alkali-activated slag (AAS) concrete and Portland slag cement (PSC) concrete under the influence of…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to present an experimental investigation on the performances of alkali-activated slag (AAS) concrete and Portland slag cement (PSC) concrete under the influence of elevated temperature. In the present study, the alkali-activated binder contains 85% of ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) and 15% of powder blended as chemical activators.

Design/methodology/approach

For the purpose, standard size of cube, cylinder and prism have been cast for a designed mix of concrete. The AAS concrete specimens were kept for water as well as air curing. After attaining the maturity of 28 days, the samples were first exposed to different elevated temperatures, i.e. 100°C, 200°C, 300°C, 400°C, 500°C, 600°C, 700°C and 800°C. Later on, the tests were conducted on these samples to find the change in weight and the residual strength of the concrete.

Findings

After 500°C exposure, a considerable amount of the strength loss has been observed for AAS concrete. It has been evaluated that the performance of AAS concrete is better than that of the PSC concrete at elevated temperature.

Research limitations/implications

The present research work is being applied on the material for which the experimental result has been obtained.

Practical implications

The author has tried to develop a new type of binder by using steel industry waste material and then tested at elevated temperature to sustain at high temperatures.

Social implications

This research may give a social impact for developing mass housing project with a lower cost than that of using a conventional binder, i.e. cement.

Originality/value

A new type of binder material is being developed.

Details

Journal of Structural Fire Engineering, vol. 11 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-2317

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 January 2022

N. Suresh, Vadiraj Rao and B.S. Akshay

The purpose of the study is to evaluate the suitability of post-fire curing for normal and Recycled Aggregate Concretes (RAC) with and without fibres.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to evaluate the suitability of post-fire curing for normal and Recycled Aggregate Concretes (RAC) with and without fibres.

Design/methodology/approach

The study includes the testing of RAC specimens, i.e. 150 mm cubes and cylinders with 300 mm length and 150 mm diameter with hybrid fibres (0.15% polypropylene fibres + 0.35% steel fibres) along with fly ash. The specimens were exposed to elevated temperatures between 400 to 700°C with 100°C intervals for 2 h of duration and the post-fire exposed samples were further subjected to water curing for a period of 7 days. The compressive strength, split tensile strength and Rebound Hammer Number (RHN) were measured at room temperature, after exposure to elevated temperatures and post-fire curing.

Findings

The result shows that the compressive strength reduces by a maximum of 61.25% for 700°C and maximum retain in strength, i.e. 71.2% (in comparison to specimens kept at room temperature) is observed for 600°C post-fire cured specimens. The split tensile strength reduces by more than half for 500°C and above temperatures, whereas 400°C specimens exhibits a significant regain in strength after post-fire curing. To validate the results of compressive strength, the Rebound Hammer test has been conducted. The RHN value decreases by 41.3% for 700°C specimens and the effectiveness of post-fire curing is observed to be considerable up to 500°C.

Practical implications

The conclusions from the study can be used in assessing the extent of damage and to check the suitability of post-fire curing in further continuing the utilisation of a fire damaged structure.

Social implications

Utilisation of secondary materials like recycled aggregates and fly ash can be made in the production of concrete.

Originality/value

Specimens with fibres performed better when compared to specimens without fibres and post-fire curing is found to be effective up to 500°C.

Details

Journal of Structural Fire Engineering, vol. 13 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-2317

Keywords

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