Advances in Hygro-Thermal Deformation of Concrete Material

Abstract

The development of concrete deformation is determined by the time depended distribution of temperature and humidity in concrete resulting form the variation of temperature and humidity and also their coupling effect, which also greatly influences the durability and service life of concrete. Therefore, the coupling effect of temperature-humidity variation must be considered when study the volume deformation of concrete. The studies related to the hygro-thermal deformation of concrete were reviewed and summarized, which included the research status of concrete deformation resulting from temperature and humidity, the coupled heat and moisture transfer model and the numerical simulation method. The research status and existing problems of hygro-thermal deformation of concrete were also analyzed in detail for promoting the investigation on the mechanism of volume deformation cracking and the durability of concrete material, which will benefit to the deformation prediction and crack control technology of engineering structure. Periodically variation of environmental temperature and humidity can be used to describe the seasonal or diurnal temperature-humidity changing of concrete materials and structures in the construction and service period of concrete structure. Consideration should also be given to "fatigue effect of heat and moisture stress" when study the deformation evolution and the damage mechanism of concrete crack.