Prediction of concrete adiabatic temperature rise characteristic by semi-adiabatic temperature rise test and FEM analysis

Concrete temperature criteria, such as the maximum temperature limit and the maximum temperature difference limit between the interior and exterior of concrete, have become more stringent in recent construction projects. Therefore, the prediction of concrete temperature through thermal analysis is becoming a serious issue. The accuracy of temperature prediction through FEM analysis depends on the input values of concrete thermal properties, and one of the most important properties of concrete is its adiabatic temperature rise characteristic. An adiabatic temperature rise test can determine the most accurate adiabatic temperature rise characteristic of concrete. However, the test equipment is expensive, and not many agencies can perform the test. In this study, a new method that can be easily applied to mass concrete structures and has a high accuracy was developed for predicting concrete adiabatic temperature rise characteristic. Adiabatic temperature rise characteristic were predicted through a combination of a simple semi-adiabatic temperature rise test and a FEM analysis. In order to check its accuracy, the results of the new method were compared with that of a direct adiabatic temperature rise test. The predicted adiabatic temperature rise characteristic were used to numerically analyze the temperature behavior of a concrete structure. Then, a real concrete structure was built, and the temperature of concrete was measured. Finally, the validity of the new method was verified by comparing the results from the thermal analysis with the measurements of the real structure.