In Great Britain the study of prestressed concrete at high temperatures has
been concerned solely with its behaviour in fires. This aspect is being covered
by means of standard laboratory tests which measure the fire-resistance of elements
of construction. The work started in 1949 with a number of tests on light types
of pretensioned floor unit, which did not form part of a planned programme. A
systematic investigation of post-tensioned beams followed, which was designed to
show the effect on fire-resistance of the most important variables. Research of
a more fundamental nature now in hand, dealing with some of the properties of
concrete and cold-drawn steel wire at high temperatures. The question of residual
strength and repairability of prestressed concrete after fires of much shorter
duration than would lead to failure is also receiving attention.
