THE INFLUENCE OF AN IMPERMEABLE SURFACE ON PORE STEAM PRESSURE DURINGDRYING OF REFRACTORY CONCRETE SLABS

A finite-element model is developed for the heat and mass transfer pro cess in refractory concrete. Using this model, simulations are carried out for drying of refractory concrete slabs heated on one side only t o investigate the effects of an impermeable surface, which may be eith er the heated face or the unheated face, on pore steam pressure and mo isture removal rate. Simulation results indicate that the presence of an impermeable surface produces a very significant rise of pore steam pressure which may result in explosive spalling of the concrete.