STRESS-ANALYSIS OF HEATED CONCRETE USING FINITE-ELEMENTS

Described is a finite element analysis of concrete, which is subjected to rapid heating. Using thermal mass transport calculation, the moist ure content, temperature and pore pressure distribution over space and time is obtained first. From these effects, stress at various points of the concrete are computed using the finite element method. Contribu tion to the stress formulation comes from three components, namely the thermal expansion, pore pressure, and the shrinkage of concrete due t o moisture loss (from dehydration). The material properties of concret e are assumed to be homogenous, elastic, and cracking is not taken int o consideration.