Behavior of carbon fiber concrete subjected to high temperatures Fernando G. Branco and António Tadeu University of Coimbra, Portugal Abstract This paper analyses the applicability of short carbon fibers as a component of concrete mixtures. The experimental procedure was designed to evaluate the compressive strength variation of concrete containing carbon fibers when subjected to heating. Concrete cylinders were produced and subjected to a temperature increase up to a range of prescribed values. Compressive tests were performed after the specimens were cooled, to determine their final strength. The type of cooling was one of the variables analyzed. Natural cooling and sudden cooling by immersion in cold water were considered in this work. The results obtained for carbon fiber concrete were compared with those found for standard concrete formulations. Keywords: concrete, temperature, carbon fiber, compression. ______________________________________ Fernando G. Branco Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology of the University of Coimbra Polo II – Pinhal de Marrocos 3030-290 Coimbra Portugal Email: fjbranco@dec.uc.pt Tel: +351 – 239 797 197