Study of the heat generation due to the hydration of Portland cement using FLAC 3D

The hydration of cement is an exothermic reaction. The cement hydration reaction is a slow and long-time reaction. The hydration process can be divided into many different physical processes, of which mechanical and thermal processes are considered the most common. The analysis of temperature fields and thermal stresses in concrete structures is highly significant for preventing concrete from cracking. This paper presents the numerical simulation by using FLAC for hydration process in the concrete structures which includes heat hydration generation, heat propagation in concrete. it is possible to predict and control the amout of heat generated and their distribution in the concrete structures. In addition, it can be evaluated the dangerous level of the thermal stress and thermal deformation. These results can help the designer proposed the appropriate method for a construction process and concrete curing to achieve the best concrete quality according to the standard.