A coupled multi-physics model for creep, shrinkage and fracture of early-age concrete

• The behaviour of concrete at early-age is complex and involves several physical fieldssuch as temperature, moisture and deformations. In this paper a hygro-thermo-chemo-mechanicalmodel for the analysis of early-age concrete based on a combination of models from the literature ispresented. The chemical model is based on the reaction degree concept, also used to define internal actions such as self-desiccation and ageing of mechanical properties. A mechanical model based on the Microprestress-Solidification theory for concrete creep is used, that in a simplified manner alsoconsiders concrete fracture. The model has been implemented in a numerical framework suitable for coupled multi-physics problems. It is here applied to a case study of an un-reinforced concrete tunnel plug made of a low-pH self-compacting concrete. Good agreement is generally obtained with measurements and hypotheses previously made on the behaviour of the plug are verified.

Subject headings

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Samhällsbyggnadsteknik -- Infrastrukturteknik (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Civil Engineering -- Infrastructure Engineering (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Early-age

Shrinkage

Creep

Fracture

Multi-physics

Case study

Byggvetenskap

Civil and Architectural Engineering

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

kon (subject category)