Temperature control and crack prevention during construction in steep slope dams and stilling basins in high-altitude areas

Abstract

Temperature cracks commonly occur during mass concrete construction. Research shows that changes in temperature and peripheral constraints mainly cause crack formation in concrete. Engineers who lack experience often build structures prone to concrete cracks. Dams built in the high-altitude areas of Tibet are examples of such structure. Climatic conditions, such as large temperature variation and strong solar radiation, disrupt temperature control and crack prevention in concrete. In this study, we explored the measures for temperature control and crack prevention that are suitable for concrete structures, especially those built in high-altitude areas with large temperature variation and strong constraint zones. The study was performed in a steep slope dam section and stilling basin in Tibet. The finite element method was used to guide the engineering construction in the area. These methods could be applied to the construction of similar projects in other high-altitude areas.