Concrete curing, the process in which it gradually acquires its stiffness and strength, is exothermic. The heat released is quickly dissipated in thin structures, but less so in massive structures.
Concrete dams are typical examples of structures sensitive to this problem. The temperature increase causes thermal dilation of the dam’s core which may lead to cracking in the cooler outer regions.
When deciding the pouring thickness and rate of concreting, such phenomena must be taken into account. Principia is experienced in carrying out the necessary transient analyses to solve the coupled thermal-mechanical problem throughout the constructive process.
