Abstract

Temperature and moisture are responsible for the deterioration processes of concrete structures, and the extensive failures in concrete elements often result from both thermal and moisture simultaneously. The influences of hygro-thermal physical parameters and structural parameters on the deformation of concrete were investigated numerically using a specially developed software, which is named Coupling Temperature and Moisture Simulation System for concrete (CTMSoft). The results of numerical experiment imply that evaluating the influence regularity of only a single parameter on the concrete deformation is unscientific and the coupling effect should be considered in the fact that there is not a definite relationship between concrete deformation and a single parameter. The efficiency of thermal-moisture isolation clapboard and coatings is inconspicuous according to the numerical analysis by imaginary equivalent thickness (EIT) method. The numerical calculation also validated that the neglect of lateral confinement will not result in obvious deviation in tunnel concrete deformation.

Key words:  Hygro-thermal deformation, numerical experiment, concrete, imaginary equivalent thickness (EIT).