Prevention Of Thermal Cracking In Concrete At Early Ages

An important new report from the RILEM Technical Committee 119. This book presents models and methods to determine thermal stresses and cracking risks in concrete. The possible influences on and causes of thermal cracking of concrete are discussed and cases of practical measures for avoiding cracking are detailed.

This guide provides a method for estimating the magnitude of crack inducing strain and the risk of cracking; and where cracking will occur guidance is provided on the design of reinforcement to control crack widths.

This text brings together knowledge on early-age thermal cracking, which occurs when the restrained thermal contraction strain exceeds the tensile strain capacity of the concrete. It aims to help both the designer and contractor to understand the significance of cracking, the mechanisms and factors influencing early-age thermal cracking, and its methods of control. Thermal expansion, temperature fall from a peak during hydration of the cement and restraint factors are all discussed. The book shows how early-age thermal strains can be reduced by taking appropriate measures during the design and construction of concrete elements, and develops equations for the control of crack width.

Restraint and intrinsic stresses in concrete at early ages are vitally important for concrete structures which must remain free of water-permeable cracks, such as water-retaining structures, tunnel linings, locks and dams. The development of hydration heat, stiffness and strength, also the degree of restraint and, especially for high-strength concrete, non-thermal effects, are decisive for sensitivity to cracking. Determining thses stresses in the laboratory and in construction components has led to a clearer understanding of how they develop and how to optimize mix design, temperature and curing conditions. New testing equipment has enabled the effects of all the important parameters to be qualified and more reliable models for predictiong restraint stresses to be developed. Thermal Cracking in Conrete at Early Ages contains 56 contributions by leading international specialists presented at the RILEM Symposium held in October 1994 at the Technical University of Munich. It will be valuable for construction and site engineers, concrete technologists and scientists.

Restraint and intrinsic stresses in concrete at early ages are vitally important for concrete structures which must remain free of water-permeable cracks, such as water-retaining structures, tunnel linings, locks and dams. The development of hydration heat, stiffness and strength, also the degree of restraint and, especially for high-strength concrete, non-thermal effects, are decisive for sensitivity to cracking. Determining thses stresses in the laboratory and in construction components has led to a clearer understanding of how they develop and how to optimize mix design, temperature and curing conditions. New testing equipment has enabled the effects of all the important parameters to be qualified and more reliable models for predictiong restraint stresses to be developed. Thermal Cracking in Conrete at Early Ages contains 56 contributions by leading international specialists presented at the RILEM Symposium held in October 1994 at the Technical University of Munich. It will be valuable for construction and site engineers, concrete technologists and scientists.

Concrete will be the key material for Mankind to create the built environment of the next millenium. The requirements of this infrastructure will be both demanding, in terms of technical performance and economy, and yet be greatly varied, from architectural masterpieces to the simplest of utilities. Innovation in Concrete Structures: Design and Construction forms the proceeding of the three day International Conference held during the Congress, Creating with Concrete, 6-10 September 1999, organised by the Concrete Technology University. Topics discussed include civil engineering structures, sub-structures, high-rise structures, deep basements, precast concrete construction and housing.