High-rise concrete tower structures located in arid-cold regions with large diurnal temperature variations are subjected to significant solar-induced thermal loads, which can induce considerable thermal stresses and affect long-term durability. However, a comprehensive understanding of the spatiotemporal distribution of the temperature field and its correlation with atmospheric conditions remains insufficient, particularly based on field monitoring studies. This study aims to elucidate these relationships through continuous temperature monitoring of a high-rise concrete tower in Shanshan, Xinjiang, during a period of intense solar radiation. Surface and internal temperatures at different heights were measured alongside atmospheric temperature. The results show that the outer surface temperature closely follows the trend of the atmospheric temperature while generally being higher, indicating a strong correlation. In contrast, the inner surface temperature is lower and exhibits a weaker correlation with the atmosphere. A significant time lag of up to 3 h was observed between the peak temperatures of the outer and inner surfaces, attributable to the thermal inertia of concrete. The study identified notable vertical and through-thickness temperature gradients, with the maximum temperature difference reaching 12 °C. These findings provide crucial empirical data and mechanistic insights into the thermal behavior of high-rise concrete structures under extreme climates, establishing a solid foundation for subsequent thermal stress analysis and durability assessment. This research emphasizes the necessity of considering diurnal thermal cycles in the design and maintenance of such structures.
Wang et al. (Tue,) studied this question.