Title:
Analysis of Early-Age Thermal and Shrinkage Stresses in Reinforced Concrete Walls (with Appendix)
Author(s):
Barbara Klemczak and Agnieszka Knoppik-Wróbel
Publication:
Structural Journal
Volume:
111
Issue:
2
Appears on pages(s):
313-322
Keywords:
cracking; early-age concrete; reinforced concrete wall; thermal- shrinkage stresses
DOI:
10.14359/51686523
Date:
3/1/2014
Abstract:
The issues related to thermal and shrinkage stresses arising in reinforced concrete walls at the stage of their construction are discussed. The cause of these stresses is inhomogeneous volume changes associated with temperature rise caused by the exothermic hydration process of cement, as well as moisture exchange with the environment. The induced thermal shrinkage stresses can reach significant levels, and in some cases, cracks appear in structural elements.
The article presents the results of a numerical analysis of a reinforced concrete wall cast against an old set foundation, subjected to early-age thermal and shrinkage deformations. Development of stresses and character of cracks is briefly described. The presented analysis focuses on evaluation of the contribution of self-induced and restraint stresses to the total stresses induced in the wall. The contribution and development of thermal and shrinkage stresses is investigated. Walls with different dimensions are considered.