Creep, Shrinkage, and Thermal Effects on Mass Concrete Structure

Abstract

A nonlinear incremental structural analysis including thermal loads was performed on a lock monolith in order to assess the effects of creep, shrinkage, adiabatic temperature rise, and construction procedures with respect to tensile stresses and strains. Mass concrete structures are vulnerable to cracking as a result of high tensile stresses and strains due to thermal loads, material properties, and mechanical loads. The results of a parametric study considering upper and lower bounds on adiabatic temperature rise, creep, and shrinkage coupled with the incremental construction model are presented. Stress and strain history plots are shown and discussed with respect to typical locations within the monolith. The time history plots are essential in tracking the effects of the construction sequence. The results presented are used to give guidance for future analysis and designs of mass concrete structures.