Thermal Cracking of the Cylindrical Tank under Construction. II: Early Age Cracking

The subject of this paper is a phase numerical analysis of early-age cracking of a reinforced concrete (RC) cylindrical tank wall, with a nominal unit capacity of 8,300 m3, under construction. Numerical calculations are based on the model that can analyze the behavior of such structures, including the temperature development originating from heat hydration, external conditions, the development of shrinkage, and mechanical properties in time. A viscous-elastic concrete model with cracking was used. The real state of cracked wall segments 8 and 9 (Part I) is compared with the results of the numerical calculations. Moreover, the cracks’ localization and sequence of cracking as a result of the numerical analysis is discussed. Based on the achieved numerical results, the design solutions of vertical construction joints in which the degree of reinforcement is increased to ensure their water-tightness (despite the use of a sealing tape) negatively affect the cracking state of the jointed walls. This is reflected in the extended cracking that leads to the occurrence of leakage.