Numerical Modeling of Early-age Effects on the Mechanical Behavior of Concrete Gravity Dams

The control of thermal cracks induced by the effect early age are main concerns in concrete dam during construction stage. Despite its importance, detailed analysis gravity dams period is relatively rarely literature, eventually because prediction behavior on stage requires taking into account several phenomena and interaction, demands a considerable computational effort. To overcome this drawback, present paper proposes numerical modeling strategy to predict thermo-mechanical periods considering schedule. proposed also used study pre-cooling methods thermal-mechanical fields process. For purpose, Chemo-Thermo-Mechanical model developed for predicting at stages. Firstly, temperature field was established verified with results reported literature. Furthermore, performed two configurations: Early state without pre-cooling. Thermal stress conducted showed that greatest tensile stresses after heel resumption concreting interface due internal restraint imposed concrete. an effective way reduce both hydration age.