Multiphase Thermo-Hydro-Mechanical Model for Concrete Under Drying at High Temperatures

Abstract

This article presents a numerical study for the analysis of the thermo-hydro-mechanical behavior of concrete subjected to high temperatures. Concrete is considered as a multiphase porous medium. The model, describing the strong coupling between mass, heat, and momentum transfers, takes into account the dehydration of the solid skeleton caused by a temperature increase. Simulations of the governing equations are presented in a two-dimensional configuration using the finite element method. Drying kinetics and mechanical behavior of concrete are presented and discussed in terms of moisture content, temperature, gas pressure, porosity, saturation, normal and shear stresses, and volumetric shrinkage evolutions. The model is validated in comparison with numerical and experimental results taken from the literature.