Concrete is well-known for exhibiting good performance when exposed to elevated temperatures because its low thermal conductivity coefficient, noncombustible properties and reduced emission of toxic gases. However, due to its heterogeneous composition, concrete undergoes physical, chemical and mechanical alterations that can compromise its structural integrity. In reinforced concrete structures, special attention should be paid to the columns, in bearing capacity is reduced significantly at elevated temperatures and their collapse, naturally brittle, may result in overall instability of structure. Reductions in the mechanical properties of the steel and concrete combined with spalling, cracking and excessive deformation compromise its performance, making it necessary to verify the safety in fire situations. In order to analyze the residual strength of reinforced concrete columns submitted to elevated temperatures, compression tests were carried out on plain concrete cylindrical specimens of 5x10 cm exposed to different temperatures (200, 400, 600, 800 and 1000 degrees Celsius) and on reinforced concrete of 15x30 cm considering different stirrups configuration and exposure times (30, 60, 90 and 120 minutes). In both tests, the specimens were cooled to room temperature. The results of the experimental program demonstrate the loss of compression strength and their values were compared to those obtained numerical models and to the Isotherm Method of 500 degrees Celsius, recommended in ABNT NBR 15200 of 2004 and in EUROCODE 2.