Abstract
In long-lasting mass concrete structures the desired material properties of the concrete mix to realize a durable concrete and a concrete surface without cracks conflict with each other. The requirement of concrete with high durability leads to high thermal energy release and therefore, as another consequence, to high crack risk. Crack reduction is achieved by use of concrete with low hydration energy, which on the other hand leads to a decrease in concrete durability. Besides from optimized base materials and concrete technology, a gradient material distribution in the cross-section could reduce the problem since durable concrete is needed near the surface and the requirement of low-hydration energy is located in the center of the member. A simplified model is used to investigate the possible effect of a gradient concrete material distribution in mass concrete structures on crack reduction. The results of the analysis show that gradient concrete might contribute to lowering the constraint stresses and therefore the crack risk during concrete hardening.
Highlights
In recent decades, durability of concrete and reinforced concrete has been an important research issue
These three fields of research are combined in this study to simulate the effect on crack risk in durable concrete structures made of gradient concrete
Durable concrete is necessary near the surface and the requirement of low hydration energy is located in the center of the member
Summary
Durability of concrete and reinforced concrete has been an important research issue. This paper presents a numerical study on the application of optimized concrete base materials in a prismatic mass concrete structural element In this element, durable concrete is necessary near the surface and the requirement of low hydration energy is located in the center of the member. Durable concrete is necessary near the surface and the requirement of low hydration energy is located in the center of the member For this purpose, either a zoned distribution or a gradient material distribution in the cross-section could be used to have different materials in the cross-section. Thermal and some mechanical (stiffness, Poisson-ratio, strength) aspects were considered in the present calculations, whereas the effect of moisture transport, creep and shrinkage is neglected in this study These simplifications are made to keep the testing and modeling effort low in the phase of a preliminary study for this type of gradient concrete. Finite Element Model and Material Properties Used in Analysis (Materials and Methods)
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