Simulation of thermal stress in reinforced concrete at early ages with a simplified model

This paper is primarily concerned with stresses and cracking in reinforced concrete caused by restrained thermal deformations during the hydration process. Simulation of thermal stresses and crack occurrence is carried out with a simplified model. By validation against tests, it is shown that the simple, one-dimensional model gives a reasonable estimate of the thermal stress development. The model is based on a few input parameters like temperature history, stiffness development and tensile strength development. By means of a parametric investigation, the age-dependent stiffness of the concrete and the temperature history are identified as the decisive material characteristics regarding the thermal stress level. It is also found that the reinforcement has no effect prior to cracking but a clear crack redistributing role in the post-cracking state.