Numerical analysis of temperature development in concrete at an early age.
Date
2012-01-30
Authors
Patini, Anthony.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
The exothermic reaction associated with hydrating Portland Cement releases a
significant amount of heat within concrete elements. These raised temperatures
could give rise to thermal cracking which is a function of temperature differential
and concrete stiffness.
In recent years computer-based modelling has become an intrinsic part of
engineering. It has been employed to simulate the rise in temperature and
distribution of heat within concrete elements. The prediction model developed in
this project is based on the numerical finite element theory in combination with
heat evolution curves obtained from adiabatic calorimetry. Predicted results are
compared with two sets of measured data and comparisons are drawn. This model
is also evaluated against the pre-existing finite difference numerical simulation
(Ballim, 2004a). The finite element simulation provides engineers with
temperature differentials from which generalised rules for cracking potential may
be applied.
The implemented finite element model provides superior predictions to those of
existing simulations and allows for future developments due to the advanced
capabilities of the finite element theory.