Simultaneous heat and moisture transfer in concrete with time-dependent boundary conditions

Abstract

Temperature and moisture are responsible for the deterioration processes of concrete structures and the extensive failures in concrete elements often result from both thermal and moisture loads. Heat and moisture transfer in concrete with time-dependent boundary conditions was investigated by numerical simulation using the Coupling Temperature and Moisture Simulation System for Concrete (CTMSoft). The temperature and moisture distribution in concrete were numerically simulated through solving the coupling transfer equations based on heat and moisture transfer in porous media by analytical method inolving Laplace transformation and transfer function. The hygro-thermal induced by the moisture and temperature changes in concrete are analysed using CTMSoft. The comparison between the numerical and experimental (or Fiber Bragg Grating monitoring data) suggests that the numerical model can be used accurately to predict the deformation resulting from the simultaneous heat and moisture transfer.