Cracking due to temperature gradient in concrete

Abstract

Mass concrete is used in many projects related to the massive construction such as raft foundations, pile caps, thick beams, walls and dams. Since cement hydration is an exothermic reaction, the temperature rise within a large concrete mass can be quit high. As a result, significant tensile stresses and strains may be developed from the volume change associated with the increase and decrease of temperature within the mass concrete which will lead to crack the concrete. Cracks caused by thermal gradient may cause loss of structural integrity and monolithic action or shortening of service life of the structures. The objective of this research is to determine the thermal strain variation from arisentemperature datawhich in turn can be used to predict, whether the relevant concrete section is going to be cracked or not by comparing with tensile strain capacity values.