Thermal Properties of Concrete.

Thermal Properties of Concrete.

Under the above title Prof. Charles L. Norton, Professor of Heating Measurement of Massachusetts Institute of Technology, read a paper at the recent meeting of National Association of Cement Users, describing the tests made under his direction at that institution. He has for some three years been investigating those properties of concrete which would render it of value in fireproof construction, and, although nowhere near the end of his studies, has reached a place where there is considerable value in what he has learned. In discussing his paper the question of cinder concrete as a fire-protecting covering was brought up. It has been shown that cinder concrete containing up to 7 per cent, of coal could be successfully used in fireproofing operations, but that where a much larger percentage is present the individual pieces of coal are apt to swell and burn to the detriment of the structure. The reason that cinder concrete proves a valuable fireproofing agent is because the heat transmission through it is exceedingly small as compared with the heat transmission through stone-concrete or stone. There should be, however, great care taken that the amount of free coal in the cinder is as small as possible.

Under the above title Prof. Charles L. Norton, Professor of Heating Measurement of Massachusetts Institute of Technology, read a paper at the recent meeting of National Association of Cement Users, describing the tests made under his direction at that institution. He has for some three years been investigating those properties of concrete which would render it of value in fireproof construction, and, although nowhere near the end of his studies, has reached a place where there is considerable value in what he has learned. In discussing his paper the question of cinder concrete as a fire-protecting covering was brought up. It has been shown that cinder concrete containing up to 7 per cent, of coal could be successfully used in fireproofing operations, but that where a much larger percentage is present the individual pieces of coal are apt to swell and burn to the detriment of the structure. The reason that cinder concrete proves a valuable fireproofing agent is because the heat transmission through it is exceedingly small as compared with the heat transmission through stone-concrete or stone. There should be, however, great care taken that the amount of free coal in the cinder is as small as possible.