Influence of Footing Dimensions on Early-Age Temperature Development and Cracking in Concrete Footings
Publication: Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 20, Issue 3
Abstract
This article presents the findings of an investigation that used finite-element analysis to determine the influence of a concrete footing’s dimensions on its temperature development and cracking at early age. A three-dimensional finite-element model was used to predict temperatures in the footing and to assess cracking potential of the concrete. A parametric study consisting of 63 finite-element analyses was conducted on three different footing shapes: (1) a cubic shape, (2) a length:width:depth ratio of 4:4:1, and (3) a length:width:depth ratio of 4:2:1. Volume-to-surface area ratios () ranged from 0.33 to 4.0 m. The results showed that cracking potential does not depend on a footing’s dimensions when its is 1.3 m or greater. Rectangular footings that have the same but different shapes (dimensional proportions) developed a similar maximum temperature, a similar maximum temperature differential, and a similar minimum crack index under the same insulation condition. Smaller footings allowed slightly higher maximum temperature differential before thermal cracking occurred.
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Acknowledgments
The author acknowledges the tremendous efforts of those who contributed to this project. Special thanks are given to Drs. Mang Tia and Adrian Lawrence for their assistance. The study was made possible by funding provided by FDOT.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 20 • Issue 3 • March 2015
Copyright
© 2014 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Feb 28, 2014
Accepted: Aug 12, 2014
Published online: Sep 4, 2014
Published in print: Mar 1, 2015
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