A compilation of fire test data which shows distinct behavioral differences between high-strength
concrete (HSC) and normal strength concrete (NSC) at elevated temperature is presented. The differences
are most pronounced in the temperature range of 20 °C to 400 °C. What is more important is the observed
explosive spalling of HSC specimens during fire tests.. A comparison of test results with current code
provisions on the effects of elevated temperatures on concrete strength shows that the CEN Eurocodes and
the CEB provisions are unconservative. Aspects of analytical modeling for predicting the buildup of
internal pressure during heating are discussed. The paper concludes with recommended research needs,
identified at a workshop on fire performance of HSC, convened at NIST in February 1997.