Realistic analysis of thermal and shrinkage stresses in concrete structures at early ages

Early age damage induced by volume change may considerably reduce durability and serviceability. To solve this complex problem, computer procedures for analysis of thermal and shrinkage stresses were developed. In such procedures, numerous material models are needed and the realistic numerical models have been developed and validated by comparison with relevant experimental results. After the analysis of the temperature, moisture and degree of hydration field in concrete, the stress development is determined by incremental structural formulation derived from the principle of virtual work. The stress development is related to thermal and shrinkage deformation, and resulting stress relaxation due to the effect of early age creep. Experimental and numerical results revealed that early age creep plays important role in accurately evaluating the stress state.