Thermal stress evolution of tunnel wall during construction

Thermal stresses resulting from heat of cement hydration during mass structures construction such as dams, transfer slabs, deep beams, and foundation, are the cause of cracks in concrete structures. This paper presents a finite element model representing concrete tunnel lining and evaluates the cracking likelihood due to thermal evolution of early age concrete. The three-dimensional finite element method (3D FEM) is implemented in Midas Civil 2011®. The model is used to simulate temperature and thermal stress distribution in the concrete tunnel lining and to conduct a parametric study. The results of the temperature and stress fields are predicted in Vietnam's construction conditions. The above results help engineers before construction to take appropriate measures to control the formation of cracks at an early age.