Multiscale modeling of hydration, elasticity and creep of VeRCoRs concrete. Focus on creep characteristic times

Abstract

[Excerpt] Introduction: EDF is a major energy producer in the world, operating 58 nuclear power plants in France. Nearly half of their concrete containment buildings are double containments whose leak tightness is primarily dependent on the integrity of the post-tensioned inner concrete containment building. The post-tensioning is calibrated in order to ensure that in case of an accident the concrete remains in compression. However, due to creep of concrete, it decreases in time. It is therefore important for EDF to have a detailed knowledge about the behavior of the concretes used in the containment buildings, in order to be able to predict the future evolution of creep, post-tensioning, and leak-tightness of buildings. [...]