Title:
Shock of Evaporative Cooling of Concrete in Hot Dry Climate
Author(s):
Konstantin Kovler
Publication:
Concrete International
Volume:
17
Issue:
10
Appears on pages(s):
65-69
Keywords:
concretes; evaporation; restraints; shrinkage; temperature control; tensile strength; Materials Research
DOI:
Date:
10/1/1995
Abstract:
Evaporative cooling of concrete in a hot dry climate may become troublesome in thin elements, such as floor slabs, shells, pavements, etc. The effect of the evaporative cooling of 1-day cured concrete in thin beams subjected after demolding to free and restrained shrinkage strain, internal and surface temperatures of the concrete, tensile stress in restrained elements were analyzed. It was concluded that evaporative cooling did not result in any material damage, if the temperature of concrete returns after the initial shock to the ambient air temperature, because it influences neither stress rates nor tensile strength. However, when the temperature of concrete quickly decreases during the first hour after demolding, it can lead, in some cases, to premature cracking.