Authors:

6
1
Engr. Ynad Nicolo Guadiz Lovely G. Gaspar
Civil and Geodetic Engineering Student Researcher
Saint Louis University [email protected]
Philippines
7
Email: [email protected] Jayson Robert S. Ico
Student Researcher
2
Engr. Lovely Ranosa [email protected]
Civil and Geodetic Engineering
8
Saint Louis University Dave D. Lacambra
Philippines Student Researcher
Email: [email protected] [email protected]
9
3
Engr. Emerson Gapuz Nathaniel O. Laureta
Civil and Geodetic Engineering Student Researcher
Saint Louis University [email protected]
Philippines
10
Email: [email protected] Arvin Carl B. Tabor
Student Researcher
4
Engr. Ferdean Leroy Manzano [email protected]
Civil and Geodetic Engineering
11
Saint Louis University Manuel Paolo M. Sereno
Philippines Student Researcher
Email: [email protected] [email protected]
12
5
Jefferson Lloyd S. Bambalan Victor Niel H. Victorio
Student Researcher Student Researcher
[email protected] [email protected]

POST-FIRE ANALYSIS: EFFECTS OF CONCRETE WITH PYROLYZED COFFEE

GROUNDS IN THE RESIDUAL TENSILE STRENGTH OF STEEL
REINFORCEMENT BARS FOR THE DESIGN OF FIRE TESTING FACILITIES
Abstract:
This study investigates the residual tensile strength of steel reinforcements extracted
from concrete infused with pyrolyzed coffee grounds (PCG). A total of 27 samples were
prepared, consisting of 12 samples from PCG-infused concrete, 12 from conventional
concrete, and 3 control samples. These samples were subjected to high-temperature
conditions ranging from 400°C to 700°C to simulate fire exposure and evaluate the
performance of the steel reinforcements. The residual tensile strength of the steel
reinforcements was measured post-exposure. The results indicated that the PCG-infused
concrete samples demonstrated a notable difference in residual tensile strength compared to
conventional concrete samples, suggesting potential benefits and limitations of using
pyrolyzed coffee grounds in concrete for enhancing the fire resistance of steel
reinforcements. This study provides insights into the viability of sustainable materials in
concrete production and their impact on the structural integrity of steel reinforcements under
extreme temperature conditions.

Highlights:
- Residual tensile strength of steel reinforcements post fire exposure
- Pyrolyzed coffee grounds
- Concrete additives
- Fire resistance
- Reinforced concrete

Declaration of Interest:
The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal
relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

Declaration of Generative AI in Scientific Writing:

The authors effectively paraphrased and proofread the cited articles in this work using
Grammarly and Quillbot in the writing of this work. After utilizing the tools and services
mentioned above, the authors take full responsibility for the publication's content and
consciously evaluated and edited the work as needed.

Authors Contribution:
1-4
Supervision; Guidance, Validation, Verification
5-12
Conceptualization; Methodology; Creation of Samples; Analysis of Results; Writing of
Original Draft; Writing of Review, and Editing

Keywords: Pyrolyzed Coffee Grounds (PCG); concrete additive; fire resilience;

reinforced concrete structures; sustainable construction practices
I. INTRODUCTION

In an effort to promote sustainable waste management and disaster resilience, the

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), in collaboration with the
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), is advocating for the increased
recovery of biodegradable wastes by local government units in the Philippines. This initiative
is driven by the fact that biodegradable wastes account for 52-58% of the nation's total waste
output, according to DENR Undersecretary Benny Antiporda.

The Philippines, as the second-largest consumer of coffee in Asia, generates a

substantial amount of spent coffee grounds (SCG), with Filipinos consuming 3.4 kilograms of
coffee per person annually before the COVID-19 pandemic. Recognizing the potential of
SCG as a valuable resource, various studies have explored its applications, including its use
in enhancing concrete properties.

Addressing the rising threat of fire incidents in the Philippines, with a nearly 40%
increase in fires from April 1-26, 2023, compared to the previous year, this research proposes
integrating pyrolyzed coffee grounds (PCG) into concrete to improve its thermal insulation
properties. Previous studies have shown that partially replacing fine aggregates with SCG in
concrete can increase compressive strength and reduce thermal conductivity, while also
acting as a fire retardant in epoxy composites.

The study investigates the impact of PCG on the residual strength of reinforcing steel
bars in concrete following a fire. Reinforced concrete beams face significant stability issues
during fires, which can reduce the structural integrity of the system. Design codes specify
minimum dimensions for fire resistance but do not address the residual strength of structures
post-fire. Therefore, assessing the actual strength or load-carrying capacity of fire-exposed
structures is crucial for ensuring safety and economic viability.

Cooling methods post-fire, such as water cooling, natural cooling inside the oven, and
natural cooling outside the oven, affect the mechanical properties of concrete differently.
Natural cooling is often preferred for safety reasons. Additionally, three testing regimes,
stressed, unstressed, and residual, highlight different aspects of concrete behavior under fire
conditions. This research primarily focuses on the residual testing regime, which is
commonly used due to its simplicity and relevance to real-life scenarios.

Departing from traditional retrofitting methods, this study advocates for the proactive
integration of insulating materials like PCG during construction to enhance fire resistance and
sustainability. By examining the residual tensile strength of steel reinforcement bars with
PCG concrete cover in a one-storey fire testing laboratory, the research aims to provide
valuable insights into innovative construction practices. These practices could enhance
structural resilience and sustainability, offering a proactive solution to improve fire protection
in building structures. The objectives of this work are as follows:
 1. What is the residual tensile strength of the reinforcing steel bars (RSBs) at 400°C,
500°C, 600°C, and 700°C?
A. Without PCG
B. With 15vol% PCG
2. What is the performance of the designed fire laboratory facility in the residual
tensile strength of the RSBs at different temperatures for the samples:
A. Without PCG
B. With 15vol% PCG
3. What is the difference in the residual tensile strength of reinforcing steel
bars between samples with regular concrete cover and those with 15% PCG after
exposure to fire at temperatures of 400°C, 500°C, 600°C, and 700 °C?

II. METHODOLOGY

2.1 Experimental Work

2.1.1 Materials
The materials used in the experiment included 27 steel reinforcements, each with a
diameter of 16 mm and a length of 1000 mm, fine aggregates, coarse aggregates ranging from
9.5 mm to 37.5 mm in diameter, and type 1T cement. Cement, coarse and fine aggregates,
and steel bars were sourced from Dilan, Pozorrubio, Pangasinan, Philippines.

2.1.2 Preparation of Specimen

The preparation of specimens involved creating a 1:2:4 concrete mix ratio, consisting
of one part cement, two parts fine aggregates, and four parts coarse aggregates. Each of the
1000 mm steel samples was embedded in concrete with a 40 mm cover, resulting in final
specimen dimensions of 96 mm x 96 mm x 1080 mm. A total of 24 samples were created: 12
with concrete infused with pyrolyzed coffee grounds (PCG), 12 with conventional concrete,
and additionally, 3 control samples of steel reinforcements not embedded in concrete. After
casting, the specimens were allowed to set for 24 hours and then cured for 28 days in a curing
bath. Following the curing period, the specimens were exposed to fire for 120 minutes, with 6
samples tested per temperature (400°C, 500°C, 600°C, and 700°C), comprising 3 from the
PCG-infused concrete and 3 from the conventional concrete. After fire exposure, the samples
were cooled for 30 days before the steel reinforcements were extracted from the concrete
samples for further testing.

2.1.3 Testing of Specimens

Tensile Strength test was conducted on the samples to identify if pyrolyzed coffee
grounds as an additive to concrete as fire-damage protection of steel reinforcements in
concrete is feasible.
 2.1.3.1 Tensile Strength of the Samples (ASTM E8)

The Residual Tensile Strength testing, conducted in accordance with ASTM

E8 standard, aimed to assess the remaining tensile strength of reinforced concrete
beam samples post exposure to varied temperatures. 27 steel bars underwent testing
utilizing the Universal Testing Machine (UTM). The values for the tensile strength in
MPa was computed using the equation:
𝑓𝑦 =𝑃/𝐴
Where:
𝑓𝑦 = Specimen’s Tensile in 𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝑃 = Maximum applied force, Newton (𝑁)
𝐴 = Cross-Sectional area (𝑚𝑚2)

2.1.3.2 Residual Tensile Strength Analysis

2.1.3.2.1 % Reduction Calculation

The % Reduction in Residual Tensile Strength were calculated using
the formula:

Where:
𝑅𝑇𝑆 = Residual Tensile Strength

2.1.3.2.2 Absolute Difference Calculation

The Absolute Difference in % Reduction between beam samples
without PCG and with 15vol% PCG were computed using the formula:

2.2 Analysis of Data

Researchers utilized descriptive statistics to summarize and understand the properties
of the data set by providing summaries of the sample and its measurements. Given the
research's numerical nature, quantitative data collection techniques were employed. Line
graphs were used to present and visually represent the strength parameters from various
experiments, aiding in forming expectations and conclusions for the research.

2.2 Design of Fire Testing Laboratory

The initial structural design of the proposed fire testing laboratory was drawn using
AutoCAD and was designed based on the compressive strength of regular concrete (21 MPa)
and the tensile strength of the steel sample at ambient temperature (328.200 MPa). Analysis
of the structure's performance under varying temperatures was also conducted, adjusting the
compressive strength of the concrete and the yield strength of the reinforcing bars for both
regular reinforced concrete and concrete with PCG. Through the use of Bently's software,
namely STAAD.pro and RCDC, the researchers assess how the fire testing facility behaves
throughout the fire exposures at the given temperatures. The researchers organized the
parameters and design criteria for the project design to accurately list all of the dimensions
and assumption loadings that were used in the research and design of the suggested project
structure under the guidelines of the specifications and code provisions.
III. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Table 4.2.1
presents the average yield and
ultimate tensile strength of steel
reinforcing bars in both regular and
PCG-blended concrete beam
samples exposed to varying degrees
of flame, specifically at
400°C, 500°C, 600°C, and 700°C,
along with an average for the
unheated control samples. The data
shows a trend of decreasing yield
and ultimate tensile strength in
the reinforcing bars as the
temperature of exposure
increases, with the average values
for PCG-blended concrete being
slightly higher than those of the regular concrete samples.
The unheated control samples
exhibit the highest values for both yield and ultimate tensile strength, representing standard
conditions. As the temperature exposure increases, there is a consistent decline in both
properties. This trend indicates a clear correlation between increased heat exposure and the
degradation of the material properties of the steel reinforcing bars.

Table 4.4.2.2 Comparison of flexure

capacity ratio of regular concrete and
concrete with PCG under initial
reinforcement design under 500°C

Table 4.4.2.3 Comparison of flexure

capacity ratio of regular concrete and
concrete with PCG under initial
 Table 4.4.2.4 Comparison of flexure
capacity ratio of regular concrete and
concrete with PCG under initial

Tables 4.4.2.1 to 4.4.2.4

show that in the original structural

Table 4.4.2.1.a Comparison of column design of Table 4.4.2.1.b Comparison of column design of

Table 4.4.2.1.c Comparison of column design of Table 4.4.2.1.d Comparison of column design of
design, columns C1, C2, C3, and C9 began to fail at temperatures between 400°C and 700°C.
This necessitated an increase in their number of main reinforcements to handle the increased
loads across the structure. Similarly, beams B5, B6, B7, and B8 exhibited failures within the
same temperature range, prompting an increase in the main reinforcement of B5 and B6 by 2-
16mm in the top left and top right sections, respectively. B7 and B8 also increased their top
main reinforcement bars from 3-16mm to 4-16mm.

From these tables, it is evident that the original structural design allowed columns to
endure fire exposure up to 500°C. However, Column 2 failed at 600°C, and Column 9 at
700°C as they exceeded the maximum capacity ratio of 1, necessitating an increase in their
main reinforcements from 8-16mm to 12-16mm to support the overall structural loads.
Notably, critical columns like 1 and 3 remained resilient, enduring fire exposure up to 700°C
without failing. Additionally, critical beams such as B5, B6, B7, and B8 sustained loads up to
700°C without failure. At 700°C, B5 and B6 increased their main reinforcement bars in the
top left and top right sections by 2-16mm, respectively, while B7 and B8 increased their top
main reinforcement from 3-16mm to 4-16mm. The integration of PCG into the concrete acted
as a natural fire retardant, protecting the reinforcement bars from the given temperatures and
allowing the columns and beams to withstand the loads better than regular concrete.

This shows that incorporating 15% vol PCG enhances the performance of the
proposed fire testing laboratory, particularly in safeguarding steel reinforcements against the
detrimental effects of heat-induced strength reductions. This incorporation extends the
structure's resilience under fire exposure up to 700°C.

The stress-strain diagram in figure

4.3a shows that the unheated steel sample
at ambient temperature had an average
yield strength of 328.2 MPa and an
ultimate strength of 496.04 MPa. After
exposure to 400°C, steel samples from
regular concrete cover exhibited
significant reductions, with yield strength
dropping to 313.56 MPa (a 14.64 MPa
decrease) and ultimate strength to 486.77
MPa (a 9.27 MPa decrease). In contrast,
steel samples from concrete with PCG
cover showed smaller reductions, with
yield strength decreasing to 324.30 MPa (a
3.90 MPa decrease) and ultimate strength
to 494.41 MPa (a 1.63 MPa decrease).
This demonstrates that PCG-infused
concrete more effectively retains the
mechanical properties of steel under fire exposure at 400°C.
 Figure 4.3b compares the reduction
in yield and ultimate strengths of steel samples exposed to 500°C relative to an unheated
sample. After exposure, steel from regular concrete cover showed significant reductions:
yield strength decreased to 311.29 MPa (a 16.91 MPa reduction) and ultimate strength to
485.63 MPa (a 10.41 MPa reduction). In contrast, steel from PCG concrete cover exhibited
smaller reductions: yield strength decreased to 320.72 MPa (a 7.48 MPa reduction) and
ultimate strength to 491.81 MPa (a 4.23 MPa reduction). This suggests that PCG concrete
better preserves the mechanical properties of steel at 500°C.
 Figure 4.3c compares the reduction
in tensile strength of steel samples after
exposure to 600°C, relative to an unheated
sample, for both regular concrete cover
and concrete with PCG. Steel from regular
concrete cover showed significant
reductions, with yield strength decreasing
to 307.06 MPa (a 21.14 MPa reduction)
and ultimate strength to 483.68 MPa (a
12.36 MPa reduction). In contrast, steel
from PCG concrete cover exhibited
smaller reductions: yield strength
decreased to 313.89 MPa (a 14.31 MPa
reduction) and ultimate strength to 488.89
MPa (a 7.15 MPa reduction). This
indicates that PCG concrete better
preserves the mechanical properties of
steel at 600°C.
 Figure 4.3d compares the reduction
in yield and ultimate strengths of steel samples after exposure to 700°C relative to an
unheated sample. Steel from regular concrete cover showed significant reductions: yield
strength decreased to 305.43 MPa (a 22.77 MPa reduction) and ultimate strength to 482.38
MPa (a 13.66 MPa reduction). Conversely, steel from PCG concrete cover exhibited smaller
reductions: yield strength decreased to 310.64 MPa (a 17.56 MPa reduction) and ultimate
strength to 486.61 MPa (a 9.43 MPa reduction). This highlights the superior performance of
PCG cover in retaining the steel's mechanical properties at 700°C.
IV. CONCLUSION

The tensile strength test results indicate that the residual tensile yield and ultimate
tensile strengths of reinforced steel bars (RSBs) decrease as the temperature increases. For
concrete without PCG, the residual tensile yield strength decreases from 313.56 MPa at
400°C to 305.43 MPa at 700°C, while the ultimate tensile strength decreases from 486.77
MPa to 482.38 MPa over the same temperature range. In concrete with 15% PCG, the
residual tensile yield strength decreases from 324.30 MPa at 400°C to 310.64 MPa at 700°C,
and the ultimate tensile strength decreases from 494.42 MPa to 486.61 MPa. These results,
compared to the unheated control sample (328.20 MPa tensile yield strength and 496.04 MPa
ultimate tensile strength), show an overall downward trend in residual tensile strengths with
increasing temperature exposure, leading to a corresponding increase in the percentage
reduction of strength.

Tables 4.4.2.1 to 4.4.2.4 indicate that in the original structural design, columns C1,
C2, C3, and C9, and beams B5, B6, B7, and B8 experienced failures between 400°C and
700°C, necessitating upgrades to their main reinforcements to handle increased structural
loads. Specifically, beams B5 and B6 required an increase of 2-16mm in the top left and top
right sections, respectively, while B7 and B8 required an increase from 3-16mm to 4-16mm
in the top main reinforcement bars. Columns were originally designed to endure fire exposure
up to 500°C, but Column 2 failed at 600°C and Column 9 at 700°C, requiring an increase in
reinforcement from 8-16mm to 12-16mm. Critical columns like C1 and C3, however,
remained resilient up to 700°C. The incorporation of 15% volume PCG in the concrete, which
acts as a natural fire retardant, significantly enhanced the structure's performance, protecting
the steel reinforcements and allowing the columns and beams to withstand higher
temperatures without failing. This improvement in fire resistance suggests that using PCG
can extend the structural resilience of fire testing laboratories up to 700°C.
The study reveals that the inclusion of 15% pyrolyzed coffee grounds (PCG) in
concrete significantly enhances the residual tensile strength of reinforcing steel bars after fire
exposure. The difference in residual tensile yield strength between regular concrete and PCG
concrete after exposure to 400°C, 500°C, 600°C, and 700°C was 3.271%, 2.874%, 2.081%,
and 1.586% respectively. For residual ultimate tensile strength, the differences were 1.541%,
1.246%, 1.049%, and 0.852% respectively. These results demonstrate that steel embedded in
PCG-infused concrete retains more strength post-fire compared to regular concrete,
highlighting the effectiveness of PCG in reducing thermal conductivity. However, the
protective effect of PCG diminishes as the temperature increases. The study confirms that at
600°C, steel retains 93.56% of its strength in regular concrete and 95.64% in PCG concrete.
This underscores the efficacy of a 40mm concrete cover for fire resistance, as prescribed by
NBCP, for a 2-hour fire rating. In conclusion, replacing 15% of fine aggregate with PCG
improves the residual tensile strength of steel, thereby enhancing the post-fire resilience of
reinforced concrete structures.

V. RECOMMENDATIONS

Based on the findings of this study, several recommendations can be made for future
research on concrete incorporating Pyrolyzed Coffee Grounds (PCG) and its effects on
reinforced concrete structures. One key recommendation is to explore different concrete mix
designs with PCG to determine the optimal mix ratio that offers the highest mechanical
strength and fire resistance. Additionally, it is suggested to study the effects of high
temperatures on concrete containing PCG, focusing on properties such as compressive
strength and modulus of elasticity. Investigating the impact of varying aggregate sizes on the
mechanical properties and fire resilience of concrete with PCG is also recommended, as
different sizes can influence overall performance.

Further research should examine additional mechanical properties of concrete with

PCG, beyond residual tensile strength, to include compressive strength, flexural strength, and
impact resistance. Long-term performance studies are necessary to evaluate the durability of
PCG concrete under various environmental conditions, such as exposure to moisture, freeze-
thaw cycles, and chemical attacks. Scaling up the research to assess the feasibility and cost-
effectiveness of using PCG in large-scale concrete applications, such as buildings and
infrastructure projects, is also vital.
 An environmental impact assessment should be conducted to evaluate the
sustainability of using PCG in concrete compared to conventional methods. By addressing
these recommendations, future research can enhance the understanding of PCG in concrete,
potentially improving the mechanical properties and fire resilience of reinforced concrete
structures. This comprehensive approach will help determine the practicality and benefits of
incorporating PCG into concrete for various construction applications.

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