Restraint and intrinsic stresses in concrete at early ages are vitally important for concrete structures which must remain free of water-permeable cracks, such as water-retaining structures, tunnel linings, locks and dams. The development of hydration heat, stiffness and strength, also the degree of restraint and, especially for high-strength concrete, non-thermal effects, are decisive for sensitivity to cracking. Determining thses stresses in the laboratory and in construction components has led to a clearer understanding of how they develop and how to optimize mix design, temperature and...

An important new report from the RILEM Technical Committee 119. This book presents models and methods to determine thermal stresses and cracking risks in concrete. The possible influences on and causes of thermal cracking of concrete are discussed and cases of practical measures for avoiding cracking are detailed.