A 3D Thermal Field Restructuring Method for Concrete Dams Based on Real-Time Temperature Monitoring

Temperature monitoring and control is of great significance to ensure concrete quality during the construction of dam concrete. In this study, a 3D thermal field restructuring method is developed for the complex evolution process of thermal field in dam concrete during construction, based on real-time temperature monitoring. The proposed method is related to the ordinary Kriging interpolation and the distributed optical fiber temperature sensing (DTS) technology. Based on the temperature monitoring of the Wudongde (WDD) super-high arch dam, the 3D thermal field can be acquired effectively and fast by the proposed restructuring method. The results indicate the temperature difference between the temperature measured by thermometers and the restructured temperature is within 1 °C. The evolution process of the restructured 3D thermal field for the WDD arch dam is in good agreement with the site situation. In addition, the uncertainty, cons and pros of the proposed method and the optimal layout of temperature sensors are further discussed. Although the proposed thermal field restructuring method has some limitations, it is believed to be a valuable tool for acquiring the 3D thermal field and thermal gradient of dam concrete.