A study on the thermal crack control of large turbine foundation using automated curing system

Abstract

The thermal crack occurrence from hydration heat is one of the most important factors that significantly affect structural quality and construction period in mass concrete. Therefore, appropriate methods to control the thermal crack are necessary for mass concrete. In this study, the probability of thermal cracking was checked by FEM analysis prior to the construction of turbine foundation in a combined thermal power plant. Subsequently, the change of concrete mix design and application of automated curing system were proposed to prevent thermal crack occurrence. The proposed concrete mix design and automated curing method have been applied to actual turbine foundation construction site and the effect of the proposed thermal crack control methods has been evaluated through field measurement of the temperature, strain, thermal crack occurrence.