Hydration Heat and Autogenous Shrinkage of High-Strength Mass Concrete Containing Phase Change Material

Abstract

In this study, to reduce the HHV of the high-strength mass concrete at early ages, PCM that could absorb the occurred hydration heat was applied, and the changes of autogenous shrinkage and the relationship between the hydration temperature and autogenous shrinkage were investigated. The addition of the PCM leads to a decrease of the fluidity and an increase of the air content in concrete. The acceleration of the cement hydration process by the PCM leads to an early setting and a higher development of the compressive strength and elastic modulus of concrete at very early ages. The function of PCM could be worked below the original melting point due to the eutectic effect. While the hydration temperature and HHV of high-strength mass concrete can be decreased with the use of the PCM. A close relationship could be found between the hydration temperature and autogenous shrinkage; the higher the HHV, the higher the ASV and the greater the ultimate autogenous shrinkage.