The problem of temperature cracking in concrete gravity dams

Introduction. The concreting of solid structures, such as concrete dams, bridge constructions, foundations of buildings and structures, is accompanied by exothermic heating, caused by cement hydration. Heat, emitted by mass concrete blocks, slowly leaves constructions. A substantial temperature difference frequently arises between the solid concrete centre and its surface. If this temperature difference reaches a critical value, thermal cracking occurs, which destroys structural continuity. Temperature problems and those associated with thermal stress state should be resolved to pre-assess and prevent potential cracking. This problem has enjoyed the attention of specialists, and it has been the subject of numerous research projects. Materials and methods. The overview is based on the information about implemented research projects focused on the thermal cracking of mass concrete dams and its prevention. Computer modeling techniques were applied to develop a mathematical model capable of projecting and assessing the potential cracking of mass concrete. Results. The co-authors have compiled an overview of advanced approaches to the assessment of potential thermal crack formation, contemporary problem-solving methods and selected research findings obtained using the finite element method. The co-authors offer a thermal behaviour/thermal stress state projection methodology for solid concrete, as well as a thermal crack formation assessment methodology. Conclusions. The thermal cracking problem has not been solved yet. The proposed methodology and a projection-oriented numerical model can be used as a reference by civil engineers in the process of designing and constructing concrete gravity dams. It may help to reduce cracking probability caused by heat evolution in cement.