Integrating hybrid reinforced concrete technology and advanced FEM-based numerical modelling for crack control in long concrete foundations without joints

Abstract

The present work describes the analysis of a long and jointless concrete foundation reinforced with conventional steel meshes and discrete polypropylene fibers. A thermo-mechanical nonlinear transient simulation is performed to assess the cracking risk and magnitude of the fiber reinforced concrete (FRC) due to the heat development generated from the cement hydration in the early stages of the concrete hardening phase. The thermal and cracking material data considered in the constitutive model are calibrated from the experimental program conducted when casting the concrete foundation. The concrete shrinkage, viscoelasticity and maturity concepts are also considered in the analysis. The results of the numerical simulations revealed an adequate performance of the hybrid reinforcement to limit the crack opening of the concrete foundation since early ages, while significantly reducing the conventional steel reinforcement ratio.