Project publications may be ordered by contacting Dr. Ellen Thorson.

Abstract

This project used fundamental heat and mass transfer principles to predict the temperature, water content, and unreacted cement profiles that exist during the first 72 hours of curing in concrete pavements and bridge decks. The goal of the project was to determine under what conditions concrete can be successfully placed. All pertinent heat and mass transfer mechanisms were considered. A two-dimensional model of a bridge deck was developed and model results compared with actual experimental data. Traditional concrete and concrete containing flyash and microsilica additives were considered. Where possible, the information from this program will be used to calculate the thermal stresses in the concrete.

Key Words

Concrete, Curing, Pavement, Temperature Profile