Alternative estimation of the modulus of elasticity for dam concrete

The modulus of elasticity of dam concrete is hard to determine directly from tests due to the need for large specimens and testing machines. As an alternative, it is possible to predict experimental data of the elasticity module of fresh dam concrete through an evaluation of the results of standard specimens with the size of ϕ150×300 mm and assumptive acceptances of elasticity modules of aggregate in consideration of composite material models. A comparison was made between the 13 different composite material model results obtained in our study and the experimental data of Vilardell et al. [J. Vilardell, A. Aguado, L. Agullo, R. Gettu, Estimation of the modulus of elasticity for dam concrete, Cem. Concr. Res. 28 (1) (1998) 93–101]. As a result of this comparison, the models likely to yield the lowest number of errors were determined. Therefore, parallel (Voigt) and series (Reuss) models were found more appropriate for a reasonable prediction of elasticity modules of the dam concrete.