82 Damage to concrete structures
4.4 therMal shrInKage
4.4.1 Mechanism
Massive concrete structures frequently occur in huge civil and structural
engineering projects, such as dams, locks, tunnels, storage tanks, quay
walls, foundation slabs, and concrete armour units. Due to the heat of
hydration, thermal stresses occur during hardening, possibly leading to
Stresses due to fully restrained
shrinkage, without relaxation
Relaxation
Tension
Time
Compression
Stress
Concrete
I 0 = constant
t s
Figure 4.7 Influence of relaxation on shrinkage stresses in restrained element.
Figure 4.6 Drying shrinkage cracking in New Jersey concrete barriers.