A Thermal Conductivity Model for Hydrating Concrete Pavements

Hydrating concrete pavement is typically subjected to temperature-induced stresses that drive cracking mechanisms at early concrete ages. Undesired cracking plays a key role in the long-term performance of concrete pavement systems. The loss of support beneath the concrete pavement due to curling caused by temperature changes in the pavement may induce several significant distresses such as punch out pumping, and erosion. The effect of temperature on these distress mechanisms is both significant and intricate. Because thermal conductivity dominates temperature flow in hydrating concrete over time, this material property is back-calculated by transforming governing equation of heat transfer and test data measured in laboratory. Theoretically, the back- calculated thermal conductivity simulates the heat movements in concrete very accurately. Therefore, the back- calculated thermal conductivity can be used to calibrate concrete temperature predicted by models.