3.5

Thermal Expansion / Contraction

Thermal Expansion

Designer

Designer
  • Max internal limit
  • Max temperature gradient
  • Reinforcement for thermal cracking control
  • Aggregate type limitations
  • Specification of cements/additions

Builder

  • Pour size / joints
  • Ambient temperatures
  • Temperature monitoring regime
  • Curing / insulation
  • Formwork stripping

Producer

  • Mix to minimize heat generation (and satisfy limiting values)
  • Cement type / additions
  • Aggregate type /coefficient of thermal expansion
  • Procedures to limit fresh concrete temperature
  • Transport conditions

Further Guidance

Main Standards – Reference

I.S. EN 1992-1-1

Other Guidance Documents

CIRIA Report C 766 : Control of cracking caused by restrained deformation in concrete (2018)

Concrete Advice No. 25 Large volume concrete pours