Mesoscale investigation of mass concrete temperature control systems and their consequences on concrete mechanical behaviour.

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of aggregate and pipe cooling systems on concrete behaviour at a mesoscale level. Firstly, a Chemo-Thermo-Mechanical model is developed to investigate the initial stress state of early age hydration concrete followed by a mechanical analysis of the consequences brought by this initial state. Pipe and aggregate cooled concrete samples have been subjected to tensile and cyclic loadings. The results have been discussed in terms of damage and crack openings. It has been concluded that early age hydration modifies the initial conditions of any concrete structures. Regarding the cyclic behaviour, initial state due to the hydration process leads to permanent displacements corresponding to damage and cracking. The cooling methods improve the mechanical behaviour of concrete.