Modelling of autogenous hygro-thermal phenomena in massive concrete structures - a case study

During maturing of concrete structures, especially the massive ones, a temperature rise is observed in the material. The so called self-heating phenomenon may lead to a build-up of thermal stresses in the structure, hence it is of great importance to properly predict the temperature field in maturing concrete. In this paper, the mechanistic-type mathematical model of hygro-thermal phenomena in maturing concrete is presented. The model may be used for simulations of the temperature evolution in maturing concrete structures. The study deals with the concreting of massive foundation slab at the Belchatow Power Plant. The results of the simulations, concerning the temperature evolution along the height of the slab are compared against the field measurements.