2002 Volume 13 Issue 3 Pages 91-103
Time-dependent changes in the temperature, strain, and crack width of a steel pipe-concrete composite pier structure were measured. These were then numerically simulated by 1-D and 2-D thermal stress analysis to elucidate the mechanism of thermal cracking and formulate a method of assessing measuresagainst thermal cracking including crack width prediction. Gaps between the internal and surface temperatures were found to cause surface cracking during the rising phase of temperatures. It was also found that the presence of concrete in the pipes and its rigidity affect the temperature history anddegree of restraint, which cause effective strain on the surfaces. Prediction of the changes in the temperature and effective strain, as well as the resulting crack width, was found feasible using a simple 1-D model by setting adequate physical property values for the internal pipe elements. The crack-inhibiting effect of moderate-heat portland cement was verified by this method.
