Simulation and feedback analysis of the temperature field in massive concrete structures containing cooling pipes

• Temperature field of cooling pipes is simulated by composite element method.
• The genetic algorithm is used to obtain key thermal and cooling parameters.
• A multi-lifts concrete model is simulated to verify the method.
• Temperature field of a dam monolith during the construction period is studied.

Simulation and feedback analysis of the temperature field are key difficult problems in massive concrete structures. A method combining composite element method (CEM) with genetic algorithm (GA) is studied in this paper. The CEM allows for the cooling pipes embedded in composite elements for discrete simulation. The GA is used for feedback analysis to obtain key thermal parameters of the concrete in site. To verify the method, a multi-lifts concrete model is simulated. Subsequently, the method is applied in the simulation and feedback analysis of the temperature field of the Xiaowan 22# dam monolith during the construction period. The method does not need to refine or change the analysis mesh, and the calculation results tallies with the monitoring results well, which is proven to be feasible and effective. The research shows that the method proposed in this paper is suitable for the simulation and feedback analysis of the temperature field.