Study on Quick and Simple Method of Assessing Crack Index for Wall Type Massive Concrete Structures

Abstract

The possibility of a massive cracking caused by hydration heat of cement is generally checked on basis of thermal stress analysis. However, thermal stress analysis needs a great deal of time and effort, so a quicker assessment method is expected. In this paper, a quick method of assessing minimum crack index is proposed from analytical results for wall type structures. It was clarified that the temperature drop could be assumed by using the relation between wall thickness, curing condition and adiabatic temperature rise of concrete. The results indicated that a minimum crack index can be estimated from wall thickness, temperature drop strain, autogenous shrinkage and a restraint coefficient.