Title:
Thermal Gradient Effects in Reinforced Concrete Frame Structures
Author(s):
Frank J. Vecchio and James A. Sato
Publication:
Structural Journal
Volume:
87
Issue:
3
Appears on pages(s):
262-275
Keywords:
creep properties; deformation; frames; reinforced concrete; stresses; temperature; tests; thermal gradient; Structural Research
DOI:
10.14359/2516
Date:
5/1/1990
Abstract:
Three large-scale reinforced concrete portal frame models were subjected to combinations of thermal and mechanical loads. Test conditions included unrestrained thermal deformation, restrained deformation under shock thermal loads, and loading to ultimate capacity. Aspects of response were monitored in terms of resulting restraint forces, deflections, strains, cracking, and leakage. Test results indicated that thermal loads can result in significant stressing of a structure and can lead to concentrated damage in local regions. A proposed theoretical analysis procedure was found to give reasonably accurate predictions of response.