Thermo-hygro-mechanical modelling of concrete structures in service life: a multi-scale approach in the IntegraCrete project

Abstract

The need to consider thermal and hygral phenomena to better understand the actual mechanical behaviour (stresses, deformations and cracking) of reinforced concrete structures has been well acknowledged in the literature. Indeed, thermal and humidity/shrinkage gradients cause self-balanced stresses that need to be considered for an adequate description of the crack formation and opening process, when actual applied loads are combined with them during service life of concrete structures. This paper intends to provide a wide perspective of the aims of the recently started Portuguese research project IntegraCrete - “A comprehensive multi-physics and multi-scale approach to the combined effects of applied loads and thermal/shrinkage deformations in reinforced concrete structures”, as well as information about current developments. Additionally, this paper aims to describe its connection with previous research conducted by the research team, concerning multi-physical simulation of concrete structures at the macroscopic scale. Specific reference is made to the multi-physics simulation framework, its validation and application to a real-scale example of a structure in real service conditions.