Maturity effects in concrete dams

Fowkes, ND and Mambili Mamboundou, H and Makinde, OD and Ballim, Y and Patini, A (2006) Maturity effects in concrete dams. Mathematics in Industry Study Groups in South Africa > MISGSA 2006: University of the Witwatersrand (23rd - 27th January 2006).

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Abstract/Summary

Model equations for determining the coupled heat, moisture and maturity changes within a concrete block are introduced and briefly examined. Preliminary results are obtained for the heat exchange between concrete slabs in contact driven by maturity differences.

Item Type:	Study Group Report
Study Group:	Mathematics in Industry Study Groups in South Africa > MISGSA 2006: University of the Witwatersrand (23rd - 27th January 2006)
Company Name:	Cement and Concrete Institute
Industrial Sector:	Energy and utilities Materials
ID Code:	57
Deposited By:	Gordon White
Deposited On:	04 April 2006

Problem Statement

At the first (South African) Mathematics in Industry Study Group a mathematical model was developed to analyse the temperature, moisture content and maturity in concrete dams. Maturity describes the degree of hydration which occurs when water and cement are combined. By considering heat conservation, hydration chemistry and water conservation, three coupled nonlinear partial differential equations for the temperature, moisture content and maturity were derived. Since the moisture diffusivity of concrete depends on the moisture content, the moisture content satisfies a nonlinear diffusion equation. The Study Group is asked to investigate analytical and numerical solutions of this system of equations subject to suitable boundary and initial conditions for models of hydration of concrete dams.

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