Research on the behavior of concrete tunnel structures due to the heat of cement hydration using the finite element method

Abstract

The phenomenon of cracking due to heat of cement hydration in concrete structures is one of the main problems affecting the feasibility and durability of mountain tunnel or urban underground projects. Given the strong development needs of underground traffic works in large cities in Vietnam, it is urgent to study the behavior of concrete tunnel structures due to heat of cement hydration through analysis of temperature fields, thermal stress fields or thermal cracking index fields to find appropriate solutions to prevent and control the risk of cracking. This paper presents the results of analyzing the behavior due to heat of cement hydration in concrete tunnel structures by numerical simulation using the finite element method with the support of Midas Civil 2022 software through the use of surface annealing combined with phase construction. The research results provide a scientific basis for controlling cracking due to heat of cement hydration, contributing to improving the efficiency of design and construction of infrastructure works in general and concrete tunnel structures in particular.