• Computers and Concrete
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• v.3 no.2_3
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• pp.177-195
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• 2006

Slipforming is a construction method in which the forms move continuously during the placement of concrete. This paper presents the development of a computer aided program designated as "CADSLIPFORM" for slipforming operations. The program incorporates maturity methods for the prediction of initial setting times of slipform concrete layers using laboratory data (time-temperature histories and setting times of concrete mixtures at different temperatures) and generates slipform mock-up times. The performance of CADSLIPFORM is validated by comparing simulated mock-up times with those estimated in the field through conventional hard front by rod (R) method. Moreover, the program versatility is demonstrated by illustrating mock-up simulations for different cases with variable slipform parameters such as: number and thickness of concrete layers, concrete temperature (simulating variable setting times) and slipform speed. The program also incorporates the choice of Freiesleben Hansen & Pederson (FHP) and Carino & Tank (CT) maturity functions. CADSLIPFORM can assist user to develop reliable schedule of slipforming operation suitable for a specific project by optimizing various slipform parameters.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.33-47
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• 2007

Slipforming is a construction method in which the forms move continuously during concrete placement. This paper presents a numerical procedure based on the finite element method to simulate the thermal behavior of concrete during slipforming operations. The validity of the model was successfully tested by simulating a very complex but well documented field case of actual slipforming operations performed during the construction of an offshore concrete oil platform structure. The results obtained have been related to the shape of the concrete "hardened front" in the forms, which allows quick evaluation of the operation. The results of the numerical investigation have shown that the shape of the "hardened front" can be affected by the temperature of the fresh concrete and ambient conditions. For a given initial concrete temperature, there are limitations for the ambient temperature that, when exceeded, can create an unfavorable shape of the concrete "hardened front" in the forms. Similarly, for a given ambient temperature, the initial concrete temperature should not be fall below an established limit in order to avoid unfavorable shape of the "hardened front".