Modelling creep in a pre-stressed mock-up reactor containment : The VeRCoRs 2018 benchmark case

In this study, a multiphysics model is presented that predicts creep in three months old concrete cylinders subjected to drying. The model includes concrete hydration, and a moisture transport model with relative humidity as the driving potential. These parameters are important to include in order to simulate creep. The model was implemented in the finite element software COMSOL Multiphysics. The calculated axial deformation of the cylinder was compared with measurements performed on an experimental set-up. The model was found to be able to predict the axial deformations with reasonable accuracy. This study is a part of the VeRCoRs 2018 benchmark provided by the Electricité de France, EDF