CERHYD

The project will develop a prototype software tool for engineers that will enable them to control the production process of concrete structures namely with regard to safety and durability. The model will take into account hydration process, curing methods, the development of hydration heat and possible defects or cracks. The defects invoked by concrete manufacturing have a significant effect on the durability and safety of concrete structures.

Simulation of Shrinkage Cracking of a Reinforced Concrete Slab

In practice, engineers often need to design a reinforced concrete foundation slab, when the main design criterion is the crack width limit at the bottom or top surface. ATENA version 5 now includes a comprehensive transport and shrinkage model that provide the necessary answers to engineers. It is possible to calculate the hydration heat, which develops in the structure based on the concrete composition and cement type. More accurate estimation of the shrinkage is possible by coupling the stress analysis with the transport model, which predicts the time dependent drying of the material through its thickness.

Fig. 1: Geometry of the reinforced concrete slab	Fig. 2: Cracking pattern and shrinkage evolution after 100 years
Fig. 3: Evolution of shrinkage in 100 years	Fig. 4: Temperature evolution in 50 days