Title: Thermal Gradients in Beams, Walls, and Slabs

Author(s): M. Elgaaly

Publication: Structural Journal

Volume: 85

Issue: 1

Appears on pages(s): 76-81

Keywords: beams (supports); concrete slabs; cracking (fracturing); load factors; nuclear power plants; reinforced concrete; walls; stress-strain relationships; thermal gradient; Structural Research

DOI: 10.14359/2989

Date: 1/1/1988

Abstract:
Curves of allowable thermal gradients in beams, walls, and slabs as a function of various design parameters, such as the concrete compressive strength and the area of the reinforcing steel, are given. Assumptions made to produce these curves include: thermal curvature change is fully restrained internally, and the member flexibility and end rotation were not considered; the concrete section is cracked; the strain distribution in the section is linear; the concrete compressive stress distribution is triangular parabolic; the concrete is not capable to resist any tension; and the thermal gradient is linear. The allowable thermal gradients were obtained based on an allowable increase in the strain of the tension steel due to primary (nonthermal) loads. The results given in this paper are for factored load condition.