Author(s)

B. Verhegghe & P. Verleysen

Abstract

In massive concrete structure cracks may already develop at an early stage, due to the thermal stresses induced by the heat produced during the hydra- tion reaction of the cement. A two-step numerical simulation using classical finite element procedures is presented, allowing for the prediction of these stresses and thus the assessment of the risk of cracking. A nonlinear transi- ent thermal analysis, using a recently developed model for the internal heat production in the concrete, yields the temperature distribution history. The subsequent stress analysis is based on an elastic model with continuously developing material characteristics. Though simplified, this model already yields realistic results with practical usefulness, while more comprehensive mechanical models for the early age con

Keywords