Simulation analysis of thermal stress of RCC dams using 3-D finite elementrelocating mesh method

The 3-D finite element relocating mesh method is developed for simulation a nalysis of temperature and thermal stress distribution in a roller compacte d concrete dam during the construction period. According to the relation be tween specific properties and age of concrete, some meshes are merged into a larger mesh or a few larger meshes when the age of the concrete is approp riate. Using this method, the total number of elements and nodes were remar kably reduced when the dam height was increased. When the change in elastic modulus, creeps and hydration heat is within the limits permitted by desig n criteria, the relocating of mesh will start. Using this method, a 3 D sim ulation analysis of thermal stress in a roller compacted concrete (RCC) hig h dam can be realized by microcomputer and appeared at the construction sit e. On the basis of real factors during the construction period, an engineer can predict the distribution of temperature and thermal stress in the RCC dam. Therefore, engineers can take appropriate measures to control the conc rete temperature to reduce the thermal stress and avoid crack development w ithin the dam. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.