Prediction of Temperature Development in Concrete using Semi-adiabatic Temperature Measurements

Temperature development in concrete is caused by the heat of hydration which can be measured using calorimetric methods. In this study, a semi adiabatic calorimeter test was used first to measure the temperature development in six distinct C35A concrete mixes, and then using a heat loss compensation method, adiabatic temperature rise profiles were predicted. Cement and fly ash quantities in the mixes were varied to study the variations of the temperature development. The study then developed a two dimensional temperature prediction model applicable to rectangular concrete elements, based on heat transfer equations associated with the Fourier equation. A Finite-difference discretization was used in the modelling. The model took into account the heat generation due to cement hydration, heat transfer within the concrete element, and heat interactions between the concrete element and its environment under various boundary conditions. The prediction model has the potential for making two-dimensional temperature predictions in mass concrete at varying times and locations. Finally, the temperature prediction model was used as a case study to study the temperature development in a concrete wall. The results highlight the possible influences of concrete thickness on the internal temperature development of concrete and how the temperature could be controlled by using appropriate concrete mixes.