Concrete modelling for expertise of structures affected by alkali aggregate reaction

E. Grimal, A. Sellier, S. Multon, Y. Le Pape, E. Bourdarot

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

58 Scopus citations

Abstract

Alkali aggregate reaction (AAR) affects numerous civil engineering structures and causes irreversible expansion and cracking. In order to control the safety level and the maintenance cost of its hydraulic dams, Electricité de France (EDF) must reach better comprehension and better prediction of the expansion phenomena. For this purpose, EDF has developed a numerical model based on the finite element method in order to assess the mechanical behaviour of damaged structures. The model takes the following phenomena into account: concrete creep, the stress induced by the formation of AAR gel and the mechanical damage. A rheological model was developed to assess the coupling between the different phenomena (creep, AAR and anisotropic damage). Experimental results were used to test the model. The results show the capability of the model to predict the experimental behaviour of beams subjected to AAR. In order to obtain such prediction, it is necessary to take all the phenomena occurring in the concrete into consideration.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)502-507
Number of pages6
JournalCement and Concrete Research
Volume40
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2010
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Alkali Aggregate Reaction (C)
  • Durability (C)
  • Modeling (E)
  • Structure Expertise

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