Thermo-hygro-mechanical behavior of early-age concrete deck in composite bridge under environmental loadings. Part 1: temperature and relative humidity

Abstract

When concrete is cast in the field, the fluctuations of temperature and relative humidity (RH) are very complicated because they are affected by hydration and environmental conditions, especially at early ages. This study evaluates quantitatively the effect of various factors on the changes in temperature and RH that produce strain and stress in early-age concrete decks in composite bridges under environmental loading. To this end, a test member was made, in which temperature was measured. The effects of various factors were evaluated through an investigated theoretical model. The present study provides more realistic insight on the behavior of early-age concrete decks under environmental loading, which can be effectively used for evaluation of volume changes and corresponding stress in composite bridge at early ages.