Finite element modelling of hardening concrete: application to the prediction of early age cracking for massive reinforced structures

This article presents finite element modelling to predict the early age cracking risk of concrete structures. It is a tool to help practitioners choose materials and construction techniques to reduce the risk of cracking. The proposed model uses original hydration modelling (allowing composed binder to be modelled and hydric consumption to be controlled) followed by a non-linear mechanical model of concrete at early ages involving creep and damage coupling. The article considers hydration effects on this mechanical model, which is based on a non-linear viscoelastic formulation combined with an anisotropic, regularized damage model. Details of the numerical implementation are given in the article and the model is applied successively to a laboratory structure and to a massive structure in situ (experimental wall of a nuclear power plant studied in the framework of the French national research project CEOS.fr).