Concrete in mass concrete elements can generate and retain significant amounts of heat, this can result:
- In thermal cracking due to excessive temperature differentials through a concrete cross section and/or external restraints.
- In addition to this if the concrete achieves very high internal temperatures then Delayed Ettringite Formation (DEF) can occur which can result in significant loss of strength.
While the definition of mass concrete varies considerable it is good practice to consider that any concrete element with a thickness in excess of 500 mm or which uses concrete with a cement content in excess of 350 kg/m3 may be at risk and require precautions.
While acknowledging this and planning accordingly i.e. designing appropriate mix designs, determining maximum placing temperatures, taking precautionary e.g. insulation to limit loss of temperature from surface, etc. are all extremely important, it is also very important to monitor the in-situ element to ensure that the concrete performs as expected and that any precautionary measures can be implemented timorously.
Our team has extensive experience in Mass Concrete & Thermal Management, we provide a comprehensive range of services including:
- Review of requirements
- Development of proposals
- Representing customers
- Hire of equipment and software
- Development test plans
- Training and/or setting up of equipment
- Monitoring
- Reporting
We use the ConXedge web based thermal management system for all our services, this provides real time information, monitoring of performance against objectives, e-mail notifications and comprehensive analysis http://www.conxedge.com/