The effect of construction designs on temperature field of a roller compacted concrete dam — a simulation analysis by a finite element method

Abstract

In this paper a numerical simulation of the construction process of roller compacted concrete (RCC) dams is presented. The following features of construction of mass concrete have been considered: hydration heat, age, placing temperature, starting placement date, and placing speed. A 3-D finite element model of the Long-Tan RCC dam, which is to be built in the Guangxi Autonomous Region in China, was analyzed. Temperature distribution and evolution inside the RCC dam were calculated during and after the completion of the dam. Using FortranTM code, a 3-D thermal simulation analysis of a high RCC dam can be realized on a computer at the construction site. Based on the real factors during the construction period, engineers can predict the distribution of temperature in the RCC dam. Therefore, engineers can take appropriate measures to control concrete temperature to reduce thermal stress within the dam. The effects of the concrete placing temperature, construction speed, and starting date on the temperature are discussed. It has been found that the maximum temperature in a dam can be reduced by 20% through temperature control measures.Key words: RCC dam, thermal simulation analysis, finite element method, temperature field, construction schedule.