Thermo-mechanical analysis of an arch dam monolith during construction

Abstract

In arch dams the thermal field assumes an important role, appearing the first thermal effects during the construction phase. Due to the cement hydration and the low thermal conductivity of concrete, the dam body is subjected to considerable thermal deformations, which may lead to the development of tensile stresses and further cracking of concrete at early ages. Thus, the present paper aims to study the thermo-mechanical behaviour of an arch dam monolith during construction, using a numerical framework based on the Finite Element Method