Simulation of mass concrete temperature cracking propagation process

Mass concrete temperature cracking is an important problem of concrete dam safety in hydropower projects, which exists from construction process of concrete dam to operation period. This paper introduces the simulation method of mass concrete temperature cracking propagation process by element-free Galerkin method (EFGM). Due to its no-remeshing property, EFGM is very suitable for cracking problem. The governing equation of EFGM is presented for concrete heat conduction problem. It is discussed how concrete cracking process brought from temperature decrease is simulated by EFGM. The algorithm process is also presented. Then a numerical simulating program is developed; and an example including an initial crack is computed to validate the program. Result shows good accuracy and reliability of this method; and concrete cracking process brought from temperature decrease may be simulated effectively by EFGM. The cracking propagation process of concrete block accords with general crack distribution rule.