HYDRO-MECHANICAL MODELLING OF SELF INDUCED STRESSES: IMPACT OF DRYING GRADIENTS ON DAMAGE

Author(s): François Soleilhet (1), Farid Benboudjema (1), Xavier Jourdain (1), Fabrice Gatuingt (1)
Paper category: Proceedings
Book title: SynerCrete’18 International Conference on Interdisciplinary Approaches for Cement-based Materials and Structural Concrete
Editor(s): Miguel Azenha, Dirk Schlicke, Farid Benboudjema, Agnieszka Jędrzejewska
ISBN: 978-2-35158-202-2
e-ISBN: 978-2-35158-203-9
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2018
Pages: 585-590
Total Pages: 6
Language : English

Abstract: The prediction of the concrete structure durability is closely linked to the prediction of cracking in the long-term. Initially saturated cementitious materials are the seat of water movements that are responsible for mechanisms such as drying shrinkage, creep or changes in mechanical properties. For instance, the differential drying between the surface and the core of the structure leads to a heterogeneous state of stresses and can induce significant micro-cracking at the surface [1]. Those micro-cracks will impact not only the mechanical properties but also the permeability of the structure [2]. In this study, a sequential analysis is proposed to represent the drying evolution and the corresponding cracking pattern. First, calculations are performed to model the drying process and drying gradients. Then relative shrinkage strains are computed through shrinkage model proportional to water content. The impact of the initially determined water fields is investigated both in terms of drying shrinkage and damage generated by the different drying shrinkage models. The influence on the damage fields of the initial drying gradients is thus highlighted. Depending on the hydric fields determined, the damage is not similar. This finding illustrates the importance of precise characterization of drying gradients.

Online publication : 2018
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros) : 0.00