Maximum heat of mass concrete - phase 2 [summary].

PDFTech ReportBDV31-977-07Mass concreteThermal analysisShaft sinkingConcrete bridgesConcrete curingConcrete hardeningFloridaFlorida. Dept. of TransportationTia, MangFlorida. Dept. of TransportationUS Transportation CollectionConcrete hardens through a chemical reaction that produces heat and expansion, followed by contraction as the concrete cools. Concrete near the edge of a pour cools faster and shrinks earlier than concrete further from the edge. Most concrete pours are not thick enough for this effect to cause problems, but in large pours \u2013 called mass concrete pours \u2013 such as foundations or bridge columns \u2013 the difference in rates of contraction can cause cracking. Also, the heat itself can damage the concrete if internal temperatures exceed certain levels. The amount of heat that develops in setting concrete and the rate at which it can dissipate depend on the ingredients used in the concrete and the shape of the structure . Data regarding the development and dissipation of heat in mass concrete pours are needed to calibrate software that engineers use to design concrete structures in order to better understand when heat is a critical issue