Numerical simulation of temperature rise of high-strength concrete incorporating silica fume and superplasticiser

Abstract

A numerical model is proposed to predict the process of adiabatic temperature rise of high-strength concrete (HSC) incorporating silica fume (SF) and superplasticisers. On the basis of predicting the exothermic hydration process of plain concrete, the proposed numerical model takes the retardation caused by the superplasticisers and the effect caused by the SF into consideration. The verification of the proposed model is carried out with several groups of experimental data on concrete at different water to cementitious material ratios and initial temperatures. This numerical model is able to predict the adiabatic temperature history of HSC with SF and superplasticiser. The computing model requires the following relevant material parameters, namely, the mineral composition of Portland cement, the amount of SF, the dosage of superplasticiser, mix proportions and initial placing temperature of concrete. The model is useful in the prediction of heat of hydration, temperature distribution in mass concrete providing useful information on de-moulding at early ages and on controlling the potential thermal cracking.