Finite element program for moisture and heat transfer in heated concrete

Zdeněk P. Bažant*, Jenn Chuan Chern, Werapol Thonguthai

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

52 Scopus citations

Abstract

A new axisymmetric finite element program for the analysis of pore pressure, moisture content and temperature in heated concrete is described. The program is based on the diffusion equations for coupled heat and moisture transfer and uses a step-by-step time integration. The finite element scheme is based on Galerkin method. For time integration a step-by-step solution with iterations is used. The numerical analysis is complicated by the fact that the sorption isotherms exhibit a steep jump at saturation-nonsaturation transitions, and that the permeability dependence on temperature exhibits a jump of two orders of magnitude at 100°C. The mathematical model takes into account the release of chemically bound water due to dehydration and the associated changes in the pore space. The program may also be used at normal temperatures. Predictions of the program are compared with tests by HEDL as well as two other existing programs.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)61-70
Number of pages10
JournalNuclear Engineering and Design
Volume68
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 1 1982

Funding

Financial support by the US National Science

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Nuclear and High Energy Physics
  • Nuclear Energy and Engineering
  • General Materials Science
  • Safety, Risk, Reliability and Quality
  • Waste Management and Disposal
  • Mechanical Engineering

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Finite element program for moisture and heat transfer in heated concrete'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this