Title: Study on Temperature Stress and Cracking in Port and Harbour Concrete Structures

Author(s): Y. Guohua

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 93

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 903-924

Keywords: need to be re-scanned

DOI: 10.14359/6333

Date: 9/1/1986

Abstract:
In recent years, approximately 50 large port and harbour reinforced concrete structures have been investigated in China. Analysis of temperature stress and cracking of Concrete has been made on the basis of the results of observa-tion and field testing using remote transducers embedded in the six large dry docks. Concrete temperature and stress have been calculated by several methods. Results of our study indicate that temperature cracking may be caused by high temperature stress even when careful attention is paid to concrete quality, design and construction loads, if adequate measures for reducing temperature stress have not been taken. Temperature stress appears to be mainly related to temperature change, temperature difference and restrained conditions. According to the local conditions in China, measures to prevent temperature cracking are recommended as: carefully analyzing and calculating temperature differences and concrete stress during initial stages of construction, decreasing cement contents, selecting good types of cement and aggregate, appropriate grading and proportioning of concrete, reducing concrete placing temperature, peak temperature, temperature differences and degree of restraint, appropriately selecting the dimensions of concrete blocks, subdivisions and lifts, using steel forms, limiting delay time between concrete placement, good curing and winter proofing the concrete. If measures as above are taken good results can be obtained. This research has been verified in practice in port and harbour engineering in China.