Case histories of mass concrete thermal studies

Abstract : This report presents examples of mass concrete thermal studies for several U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects. The examples are preceded by a brief explanation of the components of each study and other relevant information. The example thermal studies were generally performed as outlined in ETL 1110-2-542, Thermal Studies of Mass Concrete Structures. This ETL is no longer in print, but the major elements of the document are now contained in EM 1110-2-2000, Standard Practice for Concrete for Civil Works Structures. This report serves as a companion document to the EM. More detailed explanation of the general provisions for performing mass concrete thermal studies are contained in the EM 1110-2-2000. The performance of thermal analyses can be grouped by level of complexity. This report provides explanations and examples of Levels 1 and 2 thermal studies. The most complex, Level 3, is not illustrated in this report. The procedure for a Level 1 analysis is presented along with an example of the thermal study for Cache Creek Detention Basin. The procedure for a Level 2 analysis is also presented. The preliminary thermal analysis for the American River Dam provides an example of a one-dimensional Level 2 thermal analysis, including an example using simple finite element (FE), one-dimensional strip models.