THERMAL ANALYSIS OF CONCRETE DAMS DURING

CONSTRUCTION
Application to Alquevas Dam
Elosa Castilho
Department of Civil Engineering, IST, Technical University of Lisbon

Abstract
With this work it is intended to analyse the thermal action on concrete dams, in particular during the construction
phase. Numerical simulation of dams thermal behaviour is very useful in taking decisions about the construction process,
because only by predicting the influence of each variable on the dams temperature it is possible to plan the construction in
order to control it. Among the factors that allow controlling the dams temperature it is possible to highlight: type of
formwork and time it remains in place, lift placement rate (lift height as well as time interval between the placement of lifts)
and, finally, concrete temperature control, either by using special cements, by prior cooling concretes constituent materials,
or by artificial cooling after pouring (post cooling). In order to achieve the goal of this work, the general laws of heat transfer
by radiation, convection and conduction are analysed. Climatic actions are evaluated as they affect thermal state of dams, at
the same time as concretes constituent materials and construction methods do. Regarding climatic factors, functions
describing air and water temperatures and also solar radiation are estimated. Climatic actions modelling, material properties
and the finite element models discretization are evaluated in exploration phase, by comparing models results with in situ
observed temperature. After validating these parameters, the construction phase is studied, which is the main purpose of this
work. Construction phase of the dam is simulated. For this purpose a program was developed, updating the model on every
construction date and evaluating existing elements as well as exposed and formwork faces at each stage. Hydration heat of
Alquevas Dam concrete is estimated, and then the construction phase calculation is performed. The methodology used in the
development of this work revealed to be suitable because, despite all the uncertainties characteristic of this type of problem,
variables are confirmed in exploration phase, allowing achieving results very close to the ones actually observed in
construction phase.
Key words: Thermal Analysis; Alquevas Dam; Climatic Actions; Solar Radiation; Hydration Heat; Construction Phase.

1.

framework in the calendar of the year. These aspects

are fundamental to obtain consistent results with the
reality.

INTRODUCTION

A proper dam temperature forecast over time requires,

to begin with, the use of proper calculation models.
Numerical models, in particular based on the finite
elements method, make the temperature distribution
and consequent structural effects possible to predict
with sufficient accuracy, whenever the adopted
discretization has enough quality to analyse every
action the structure is subjected to. Therefore, it is
essential to adopt an appropriate refinement degree of
the mesh in order to obtain representative results for
all actions.

An accurate model of early ages concretes behaviour

is also of high relevance in the estimation of the dams
temperature field. Early ages concrete is modelled as
a thermomechanical chemoreactive porous media. In
this way, the evolution of the hydration reaction is
formulated within the theoretical framework for
porous media and the thermodynamic problem to
solve is nonlinear in the variables temperature and
degree of hydration.

In addition, the finite element mesh should be

designed so that its elements enhance a correct
modelling of the constructive process (regarding the
layers volume and the contraction joints separation),
and also in order to provide representativeness in time,
simulating faithfully, through mesh increases, the
interval between consecutive lifts, as well as its

Additionally, generated temperatures by the heat of

hydration are changed by thermal action of the
environment. So, it is concluded that the climate
action modelling, characteristic of the dams location,
is also of extreme importance regarding the quality of
this analysis results. Hence, one of the focuses of this
study is the implementation of a solar radiation model.
1

2.

GENERAL
PRINCIPLES
THERMAL PHENOMENON

OF

THE

q ht (T1 T2 )

The temperature variations of a dam are related to the

thermal environmental actions (such as air and water
temperatures, as well as the effects of solar radiation)
and to internal heat generation of concrete during the
construction process.

where the parameter ht is known as the total thermal

transmission coefficient.
2.2. Internal heat generation
Hydration of cement is a fairly complex set of
competing chemical reactions of different kinetics and
amplitudes [1]. It is a highly exothermic and thermally
activated reaction. Therefore, its simulation requires a
thermochemical model.

2.1. Transmission of heat laws

Heat transfer occurs by conduction, convection and
radiation.
Conduction is a heat transfer mode that takes place in
stationary media as a result of a temperature gradient.
The law of heat conduction, also known as Fourier's
law, states that the time rate of heat transfer through a
material is proportional to the negative gradient in the
temperature and to the area, at right angles to that
gradient, through which the heat is flowing:
q

Q
T
k
A
n

(4)

The free water present in the mixture reacts with the

unhydrated cement to form hydrates. The water
diffusion through the hydrates layers may be
considered as the dominant mechanism of the
hydration with respect to the kinetics [1].
According to Cervera [2], kinetics relationship can be
expressed in order to represent the normalized affinity,
~
A , as:

(1)

d ~
Ea
A( ) exp

dt
RT

where Q is the heat amount crossing the area A , and

q represents the heat flow in the normal direction n .

(5)

k is the materials thermal conductivity.

where represents the hydration degree, E a is the

Heat transmission by convection is associated with

heat exchanges within a fluid, or between the fluid and
a surface in contact. It occurs as a result of the fluid
particles movement and is governed by Newtons law,
expressing the proportionality between the amount of
heat exchanged by convection through a surface per
unit area and time, and the temperature difference
between the surface and the surrounding fluid
expressed by (Tw Ta ) . A convection coefficient, hc ,

activation energy of the reaction, R the universal

constant of perfect gases (8,314 J/(mol K)) and T the
temperature.
2.3. Heat conduction equation
The general transient governing equation for heat
conduction, considering thermochemical coupling
(heat generation thermally activated) can be expressed
as follows:

is settled, so that:

q hc (Tw Ta )

T T T
dm
kx

ky

kz
G Lm

x x y y z z
dt
T
c
t

(2)

Thermal radiation is a bodys radiant energy emission

process, whose quantity and quality depend on the
bodys temperature. It can be expressed by:
q hr (T1 T2 )

where

hr

represents

the

where Lm dm / dt corresponds to the thermochemical

coupling and represents the hydration reaction heat
generation. Lm is the latent heat, and dm / dt
indicates the reaction speed.

(3)
radiation

(6)

Boundary conditions for the conduction heat equation

can be of two types:

coefficient,

considered constant in the present work.

Dirichlet conditions: T T

Heat exchanges by convection and thermal radiation

can be grouped in a single expression:
2

in T

(7)

Neumann conditions: q k

T
C in q
n

(8)

According to Mendes [3], in forced convection, the

respective coefficient can be expressed as:

Boundary condition for surfaces with fixed heat flux

and with heat changes by convection and radiation can
be expressed as:

hc 3,8V

(V <50m/s)

(11)

where V is the mean wind velocity.

T
T
T
kx
l ky
m kz
n q h(T Ta ) 0
x
y
z
in q

Silveira [4], shown that, for the values of T

observed in reality, the radiation coefficient is nearly
constant, and has an average value of 5,23 W/(m2K).

(9)

Time appears as a first-order term. Therefore, only

one initial value needs to be specified for the entire
body, that is:

T To
3.

all over the domain at t = to

3.2. Environments conditions simulation

In the usual analysis of dams, it is common to
represent the variation of air temperature over time as
the superposition of a medium temperature with two
harmonic functions, one with an annual period and
another with a daily period:

(10)

THERMAL STATE QUANTIFICATION

T (t ' ) Tm Taa cos

(t 't oa )
365

The variables influencing the thermal behavior of

concrete dams are summarized in Table 1:

Tad (t ' ) cos 2 (t 't od )

(12)

Table 1: Concrete dams thermal behavior influencing variables

where t ' is the time, in days, since the beginning of

CONSTRUCTION
METHOD
CHARACTERIZATION

Concrete colocation temperature

Contraction joints spacing
Formworks type and its placement
duration
Concreting rate
Temperature control measures

the year, Tm is the average annual temperature, Taa is

the annuals wave semi-amplitude, Tad (t ' ) is the daily
waves semi-amplitude, t oa is the annuals wave
phase, and t od is the daily waves phase.

THERMAL
CHARACTERIZATION
OF CONCRETE
(Type of cement and its
dosage; Composition of
concrete)

Thermal conductivity
Specific heat
Specific mass
Absorption coefficient
Emission coefficient
Hydration heat

GEOMETRICAL AND
LOCATION
CHARACTERIZATION

Latitude
Solar declination
Face azimuth
Thickness
Face slope

THERMAL
CHARACTERIZATION
OF THE
ENVIRONMENT

Air temperature
Water temperature
Convection
coefficient
(wind
velocity)
Solar radiation
Reflection coefficient of the
surroundings

Similarly, the reservoirs water temperature presents

an evolution in time with seasonal nature, with the
particularity that the average temperature, Tm ( y) ,
semi-amplitude, Ta ( y) , and phase, t0 ( y) , vary with
depth, y . In its modeling, it is simply assumed the
existence of an annual variation, disregarding the daily
variation. In this way, the reservoirs water
temperature can be expressed as:
2
t 'to ( y)
T ( y, t ' ) Tm ( y) Ta ( y) cos
365

(13)

3.1. Environments heat transfer characterization

The knowledge of the average wind speed on a given

location is essential to determine the heat transfer
coefficient by forced convection and, consequently,
the total heat transmission coefficient between the
concretes surface and the air.

In order to estimate the dams heat loss by its faces in

contact with the air, due to the effects of radiation and
convection, it is necessary to calculate the Newton's
formula coefficient for convection, and the heat loss
by radiation by the Boltzmann formula.

Information about the solar radiation, as well as

exposure conditions of the dams surfaces, are
fundamental to determine the temperature of these
surfaces, or, more specifically, their temperature
increase in relation to the airs temperature. At the
3

ground level, short wavelength solar radiation (global

radiation), I , is given by the sum of three
components: direct or beam radiation, diffuse
radiation from the atmosphere and radiation reflected
by the ground.

4.

LJGK1997 model, presented in [6], is used in GIS

(Geographic Information System) implementations
[7], and it is an application of Liu and Jordans model
[8], which allows determining the different
components of the solar radiation (namely, the diffuse
one) on inclined plans. In addition, this model has
application anywhere in the world, allowing rough
estimates of the solar radiation amount, which may be
improved if there is locally measured radiation values
information.

3.3. Hydration heat quantification

Cervera et al. [2] normalized affinitys expression is
used:

k A 0

~

A( , T )
exp

0 k

(14)

In order to estimate Cervera et al. propose the

From the calculation point of view, solar radiation is a

prescribed heat flux, depending not only on time but
also on the exposed surface orientation. This surfaces
orientation is defined by its normal vector.

following expression, according to which, infinite

hydration degree is related with the w/ c (watercement) ratio:

1,031 w / c
0,194 w / c

4.1. Geometrical relationships

(15)

In the equatorial system, solar declination, , is

measured on the stars hour circle from the equator to
the solar vector:

Therefore, expression (5) results:

k
n0

A0

exp
k

SOLAR RADIATION LJGK1997 MODEL

IMPLEMENTATION

Ea
exp

RT

(0,3723 23,2567sen ( ) 0,758 cos ( )

0,1149sen (2 ) 0,3656 cos (2 )

0,1712sen (3 ) 0,0201 cos (3 ))

(16)

3.4. Construction Methods

(18)

180

2
( N 79,346) [9], where N is the
365,25
day of the year considering a year with 365 days.

Dams construction methods influence the initial

conditions of the structure. It is possible, with special
construction processes, to control the temperature after
casting.

with

Related factors with the construction methods

affecting the temperature are: the spacing of the joints,
the type of formwork used and the time it remains in
place, concreting cadence (that is, the thickness of the
concrete layers and the time interval between placing)
and the temperature control of concrete (achieved
through the use of special cements, prior cooling of
material composition of the concrete, or by artificial
cooling).

Hour angle, t, is measured on the equatorial plane

from the observers meridian to the projection of the
solar vector. In the local horizontal system, solar
zenith angle, Z, is the angle measured from the local
zenith to the sun, on the stars hour circle:
cos Z sen sen cos cos cos t

where is the latitude.

When the surfaces have formwork, the total heat

transmission coefficient needs to be adapted.
According to ETL 1110-2-542 [5] it should be
modified as follows:

h'

Solar altitude angle, s , is the complement of solar

zenith angle [6]. The azimuth, , is the angle defined
by the normals surface, counted from South, in the
clockwise movements direction. The surfaces
inclination angle, Y, is the angle between the
considered surface and the horizontal. The incidence
angle, , is the angle between the direct radiation
incident on a surface and the normal to that surface:

1
1
b

k
h
formwork
t

(19)

(17)

cos A sen B cos t cos C sen t cos

where m is the optical air mass:

(20)

m (1229 (614sen s ) 2 ) 0.5 614sen s

with

A cos Y sen senY cos cos

B cos Y cos senY sen cos

Diffuse radiation is considered to be isotropic and

directly proportional to the visible fraction of the
celestial hemisphere from a given point. This
proportion is given by the sky-view factor, Fsky.l .

(21)

C senY sen
4.2. Solar radiation calculation methods

Hence, in inclined surfaces, diffuse radiation in

clear-sky conditions is given by:

Direct, diffuse and reflected components of radiation

respond differently to the incidence plans slope.
Therefore, a disaggregated estimate is needed.

Di , sky ( H 0 n cos ) D Fsky.l

optical mass of the air, m , are determined based on

Sun-Earth geometry [7]. The extra-terrestrial
irradiance on a surface normal to the solar vector,
H 0n , is given by:

Where

D 0,2710 0,2939 B

Y 1 cos Y
Fsky, l cos 2
2
2

(22)

1998).
In the LJGK1997 method is determined by
Hofierska & Suri expression [10]:
2

365,25

N 0,048869

(23)

4.4. Adaptation to local real sky conditions

Solar radiation in clear sky conditions determined by
LJGK1997 model does not account for the elevation
of the location, nor for climate or environmental
conditions, among others. Therefore, it is not adjusted
to the real sky conditions, particulars to the effective
dam location.

(where N varies from 1 to 365 (366)).

4.3. LJGK1997 model
Solar beam radiation, incident on an inclined surface,
in clear sky conditions, Bc i , is given by:

Bc i H 0 n B cos FB

In this work, the adaption to local real sky conditions

was achieved through the comparison of the
LGJK1997 models results with Silveiras [4] solar
radiation values for global radiation on a horizontal
plane (obtained based on vora registers made in the
50s). The results are exposed on Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. In
these figures, LJGK1997 models clear-sky results (at
different days) are represented discrete and Silveiras
real-sky values are continuous.

(24)

where FB is a variable which has the value 1 if the

solar disk is visible and 0 if it is hidden.

B represents the beams radiation atmospherical

attenuation. According to Kumar et al. [11] it is
estimated by:

B 0,56(e (0.65m) e (0,095m) )

(29)

The hemispheres remaining fraction contributes with

reflected radiation by the ground. The reflected
radiation component is sometimes neglected, since it
has a low weight in total, except in conditions of high
albedo [7]. Therefore, in this work, this component is
not considered.

empirical solar constant: I 0 =1367 W/m2 (Allen et al.

(28)

LJGK1997 model uses Gates expression to determine

the sky-view factor:

is a correction factor, and I 0 is the

1 0,00344 cos

(27)

where, according to Liu & Jordan [8], atmospherical

attenuation to diffuse radiation, D , is estimated by:

In methods by integration, typically used in clear-sky

conditions, extra-terrestrial irradiance, H 0 , and

H on I 0

(26)

(25)
5

5.

1 200
Ich ; Ih (Wm-2)

1 000
800
600

200
0
0,2

0,4

0,6

0,8

1,0
cos (Z)

Fig. 1: LJGK1997 model and Silveiras Global Radiation on a

horizontal plane
1 200

5.1. Alquevas dam characteristics

1 000
Bch ; Ih (Wm-2)

VARIATION
ALQUEVAS

The aim of this work is related to the study of

Alquevas dam construction phase. However, given
the number of variables affecting the temperature of
dams under construction, it is necessary to start the
analysis with the study of the exploration phase, in
order to confirm the climate actions admitted
functions, as well as the materials assumed properties.

400

0,0

TEMPERATURE
CALCULATION DURING
DAM CONSTRUCTION

800

Alquevas dam is a double-curved arch dam. The

dome, with theoretical maximum height of 96,0m, and
development of 348,0m at the crest and 124,0m on the
valley floor, has a thickness of 33,5m at the base and
7,0m at the top. It consists of 24 blocks, generally with
14,5m, limited by vertical joints.

600
400
200
0
0,0

0,2

0,4

0,6

0,8

1,0
cos (Z)

Fig. 2: LJGK1997 models Beam and Silveiras Global Radiation

on a horizontal plane

5.2. Materials thermal characteristics

Analysing this information one can observe that, for a

horizontal surface, the direct solar radiation portion
determined by LJGK1997 model adequately simulates
real sky conditions characteristic of the actual dams
location. Thus, in this work, this model was adapted to
Alqueva by not incorporating the diffuse component
of the solar radiation. It is important to mention that
this adjustment is clearly justified on horizontal plane.
However, bearing in mind that the different radiation
components respond differently to the dams slope,
these conclusions would have to be corroborated with
solar radiation on inclined plane data.

In Table 2 thermal models properties are described.

Table 2: Thermal models properties.
Property

Unit

Value

Specific heat, c

[J/(kg K)]

879

Thermal conductivity, k

[W/(m K)]

4,6

[kg/m3]

2600

[-]

Specific heat, c

[J/(kg K)]

920

Thermal conductivity, k

[W/(m K)]

2,62

FOUNDATION

Specific mass,
Absorption coefficient, a
CONCRETE

The LJGK1997 model estimated solar radiation flux,

adapted to real and local conditions (by the exclusive
use of the direct component, Bc i ), is considered in the

Specific mass,

Absorption coefficient, a

static boundary conditions expressed by eq. (2.40)

directly in the term q .

2400

[-]

0,65

Total heat transmission coefficient, ht

[W/(m K)]

20,20

Formwork surfaces transm. coef., h

[W/(m2K)]

2,02

[-]

0,74

[K]

4000

Hydration degree at t ,

After the LJGK1997 models implementation, it is

possible to realize that, only with the introduction of
the dams latitude, it is conceivable, for any part of the
planet, to have a very reasonable estimation of the
solar radiation, which can be improved whenever local
registers of solar radiation are available. Therefore,
this model is considered to be a very useful tool in the
climate actions affecting dams modelling.

[kg/m ]

Activation energy,

Ea / R
~

Normalized chemical affinity A( ) (see section 5.5):

0
A0
k

Latent heat,

[1/s]

555,1360

[-]

0,0015

[-]

5,4749

[J/m3]

6,289.107

g e H
( y) d f ey

In the total heat transmission coefficient

determination, the convection coefficient is estimated
using expression (11), for a mean wind velocity in
Alqueva of 4,0m/s.

(38)
(39)

where Tms is the average annual temperature in the

reservoirs surface, Tas

is the reservoir surface

temperatures wave semi-amplitude, Tmb is the average

annual temperature in the reservoirs bottom, H is the
5.3. Environment thermal actions simulation

reservoirs deep, t oar is the air temperatures wave

Following expression (12) it is possible to write the air

temperatures function as:

phase, ( y) is the phase difference of the water

T (t ' ) T1 (t ' ) Tad (t ' ) cos 2 (t 't od )

temperature relative to the air temperature and , , ,

d and f are constants.

(30)

Alquevas reservoir water parameters are described in

Table 3.

where:
2
2
T1 (t ' ) Tm a cos
t ' b sen
t'
365
365

Table 3: Alquevas reservoir water parameters

(31)

Parameter

Unit

Value

Tms

[C]

19,95

Tas

[C]

7,55

Tmb

[C]

11,49

[-]

0,0632

[-]

0,0434

[-]

0,0609

(32)

[months]

3,313

where Am , Aaa and oa represent, respectively, the

[months]

2,00

Taking into account the records of the daily maximum

and minimum temperature of the air, to Alquevas
dam location, the following results can be obtained:
Tm =17,49C; a =-7,43C; b =-3,34C.
The annuals variation of the daily waves amplitude
is represented by:
2Tad (t ' )

A(t ' ) Am

Aaa

cos
(t ' oa )
365

annual average amplitude, the semi-amplitude of the

amplitudes annual wave and the annual wave
amplitudes phase. By doing:

The radiation action implemented in this work is in

accordance with the LJGK1997 model previously
described. Solar radiation estimation requires the
knowledge of the dams latitude and orientation.
Alquevas dam has a 3811 latitude and its axis has an
azimuth of 150.

2
2
A(t ' ) Am a cos
t ' b sen
t'
(33)
365

365
it is obtained, to Alquevas dam location,
Am =10,48C; a =-3,99C; b =-0,82C.

5.4. Thermal environment actions validation in

exploration phase

In what the water temperature is concerned, in order to

achieve the greatest possible representation of the
hydrological regime, every thermometers belonging to
the upstream faces records were used. Zhus formulas
[12] were used to estimate the evolution of the (13)s
expression parameters with the depth of the reservoir:

Tm ( y) c (Tms c)e y
Ta ( y) Tas e y

(34)
(35)

t o ( y) t oar ( y)

(36)

c (Tmb g Tms ) /(1 g )

(37)

In exploration phase the initial temperature field is

estimated assuming an initial temperature, applying
boundary conditions, and performing the time
integration until stationary (cyclic) behavior is
achieved.
Boundary conditions used in exploration phase were:
upstream surfaces submersed (Fig. 3); bottom nodes
of the foundation with a prescribed temperature of
15C (Fig. 4); downstream and top faces of the dam
subjected to the solar radiations flux (Fig. 5); every
7

exposed surfaces subjected to convection and

radiation heat exchanges (Fig. 6); lateral borders of the
model are considered to be adiabatic boundaries.

Calculated
values
valores
calculados
Registered
values
valores
observados
T Average
mdia arairs temperature

T(C)
50
40
30
20
10
0
0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

50
40

Fig. 3 upstream submersed

surfaces

30

Fig. 4 bottom of foundation

20
10
0

50
40
30
20

Fig. 5 solar radiations flux

exposed to surfaces

Fig. 6 convection and radiation

heat exchanges exposed to surfaces

10
0

Several finite element model meshes were tested, with

increasing degree of refinement, in order to ensure the
models ability to represent the effect of the daily
wave airs temperature. A model with 5 elements
differently spaced in thickness revealed to be suitable
(Fig. 7).

days since the beginning of the year

Fig. 8 Exploration phase temperatures near the top of the dam

(z=141,0m), downstream, middle and upstream, respectively

5.5. Construction phase modelling

According to Ulm and Coussys model [1], early ages
concrete is modeled as a thermomechanical
chemoreactive porous media.
The problem to solve is nonlinear in temperature and
hydration degree (the determination of the
temperature, as well as the hydration degree, depend
on the variables themselves). Furthermore, the
temperature field generated by the hydration heat is
changed by the thermal action coming from the
environment where the dam is located.
The cement used in the composition of Alquevas dam
concrete is type IV and class 32,5, according to ASTM
classification.

Fig. 7 Exploration phase discretization.

In Fig. 8, the results of the exploration phase calculus

(using PAT_2 program [13]) are shown, for 3
particular nodes near the top of the dam, contrasted
with the instruments placed in the same sections
registers. Analyzing the results it is observed that, due
to the used scale, the effect of the airs temperature
daily wave is reflected as an increase of the thickness
of the annual wave. It is evident this amplitudes
decrease as the distance to the exposed face increases.

Analyzing [14] it is possible to understand that, for the

main composition of Alquevas dam concrete, the
average quantity of cement is 160,0kg/m3, and the
water-cement average relationship is 0,49.
Based on the results shown in [15], and considering
the composition of 160,0kg/m3 of cement, it is
possible to determine the values presented in Table 4:

Table 4: Alquevas concrete hydration heat.

t (days)

Q (cal/g)

Q (kJ/kg)

0,00

0,00

3,85

16,12

4,31

18,05

28

4,63

19,39

Assuming an initial temperature of 20C, the

expression (42) T

1,031 0,49284
0,74
0,194 0,49284

According to Cervera, the normalized affinity can be

expressed as:

~
T ad
E
A ad
exp aad
T T0
RT

(40)

obtained to Alquevas dam concrete:

ad

T0

ad

From the previous relationship it is obtained:

Q

19,386
26,2
0,74

A program was developed, in order to build the data

archive to be read by the program PATQ_2 [17]. The
designed program considers the evolution of the mesh
in every concreting or stripping phase, updating the
exposed faces (in blue in Fig. 12) as well as the faces
with formwork (in green), and its correspondent total
heat transmission coefficient. A typical output of this
program is the top figure of Fig. 12, which is
contrasted with a photo taken during the construction
of the dam. In red, assumed adiabatic faces are
represented.

Cervera relates the hydration degree to the

temperature rise in the adiabatic experiment in the
form:

T ad
ad
T T ad
where T

ad

(47)

(44)

The amount of released heat is given by:

=0,0015; =5,475

The foundation is discretized in conformance with the

grid of the dam in a model with 18 857 elements and
90 434 nodes (Fig. 11).

is the final reached temperature.

Q Q

(43)

(42)

where C is the specific heat of the material (920

J/(kgk)), T0 is the initial temperature of the adiabatic
experiment and T

A0

For the dam, in construction phase, a finite element

mesh developed in LNEC is used. This mesh has
layers of 2,0 to 3,0m height, and every block of the
dam is divided in 2 in development. The mesh has 4
elements equally spaced in thickness (Fig. 9).
According to section 5.4, the grid should be more
refined near the exposed faces. However, the current
mesh is already computationally demanding, so it was
chosen to maintain the mentioned grid. The results of
the exposed faces will have to be analyzed in the light
of this information. The difference in the obtained
temperature field of the exposed faces, using both
mentioned meshes, subjected to the exploration phase
actions, is presented in Fig. 10 .

liberated heat in ideal conditions. According to

Cervera [2]:

=555,14s-1;

L Q 26,2 1000 2400 6,29E 7 J/m3

(41)

The constant Q represents the final amount of

(46)

With this information it is conceivable, through the

analytical expression in Cerveras model for this
function (expression (14)), to calibrate the properties
of the material which fully characterize the chemical
behavior of the concrete mixture. It is obtained:

Using the exponential curve suggested in [16] to

represent the accumulated generated heat, Q , it is

1
12,8.
t
19,386 e

=41,07C is obtained. It is then

possible to calculate the concretes temperature in the

experiment as well as its rate T ad .

Expression (15) allows calculating the final degree of

hydration with the average properties of Alquevas
concrete composition. Therefore:

ad

(45)

is the measured temperature of concrete

along the experiment.

In what the initial thermal field is concerned, for the

dam, it was considered that the concretes colocation
temperature is equal to the airs temperature, except in
the cases where it doesnt satisfy the 27.2 article of
[18]. Regarding the foundation, the initial temperature
field is calculated using PATQ_2 program and
considering the existence of only one phase, in which
every foundation belonging elements are placed,
during a calculus period of time long enough for the
thermal field to achieve the stationary behavior (10
years).

Fig. 9 Construction phase discretization - detail.

valores
calculados-malha
fase definitiva
Exploration
phase mesh (Fig.
7)
Construction
phase meshfase
(Fig.construtiva
9)
valores
calculados-malha

T(C)
40
30

5.6. Results

20
10

In the interpretation of the following results it has to

be noticed that, in 2001, artificial cooling process was
carried on, and this action modelling wasnt
considered in the present study. In Fig. 13 to Fig. 17,
registered temperature is represented in dots, as the
calculated temperature is represented in a continuous
line.

0
0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

days since the beginning of the year

Fig. 10 Exploration phase temperatures near the top of the dam
(z=141,0m) - downstream.

Typical results achieved near the base of the dam are

shown in Fig. 13 and Fig. 14. It is possible to observe
that, when the next layer is laid, there is a decrease in
temperature, due to the lower temperature of the
newly placed layer, followed by an increase due to the
heat generation originated in this second layer. The
same applies, but lighter, when the remaining layers
are placed. The studied instruments are within a layer
located near the base of the foundation (where the dam
is very thick). This location is revealed by the results,
as these nodes are indifferent to the annuals air
temperature wave effect. In Fig. 13 it is appreciable
the difference in the assumption of the concretes
temperature (5C) effect. In Fig. 14 it is visible the
different adopted discretization in relation to the real
construction process effect. In this location, for the
layers placed in February 99, the finite elements mesh
aggregates 3 concreting layers in a single element.
Therefore, the date when the layers are placed will
happen, in the model, later than in reality.
Consequently, they spend more time cooling than
what really has happened.

Fig. 11 Construction phase discretization general view.

Characteristic results achieved in the middle height of

the dam, at half thickness, are shown in Fig. 15.
Regarding the studied instrument it should be noted
that the placement of the layer incorporating the quota
of the instrument occurred on 22-07-99 and the next
layer was placed, in reality, on 09-08-99. However,
according to the models discretization, it occurred

Fig. 12 Construction process simulation.

10

only on 23-08-99. Therefore, the fact that the layer has

been exposed longer in the model than in reality, in
the summer, caused a higher temperature reached by
the nodes than the registered one.

T(C)
40
20

Typical results achieved in the top of the dam, at half

thickness, are shown in Fig. 16 and Fig. 17. The
presented curves (both the calculated and the
registered one) reflect the position in height of the
studied nodes. In internal nodes near the dams crest
(where its thickness is smaller) the cooling is faster
than in lower sections, once exposed faced are closer
to the referred nodes, as well as since the heat is
dissipated more easily by the exposed surfaces than by
the foundation. Thus, the cooling curve has a slope
greater than lower level located sections do. It is also
evident that, for this dams thickness, temperatures
seasonal variations are experimented by internal
nodes, while, at the bottom of the dam, internal nodes
are not affected by these oscillations. In early 2002,
when the curves corresponding to the observed
temperature decrease significantly relative to the
calculated temperature, it is understood that artificial
cooling has occurred in these quotas. This effect tends
to fade over time (as a result of the proximity to the
exposed faces), and the curves meet again, although
artificial cooling has not been modeled. In Fig. 16, the
initial difference is thought to be related to the
concretes colocation temperature, although there is no
available information to validate this assumption. In
what Fig. 17 is concerned, the quantity of cement is
identical in the model and in reality. It is inferred that
all other factors (concreting rate, placement
temperature, etc.) have been modeled similarly to
what happened in reality leading to an answer so
similar to what actually occurred.

0
22-07-99 30-10-99 07-02-00 17-05-00 25-08-00 03-12-00 13-03-01 21-06-01

Fig. 15 Middle height dams results T19.

T(C)
40
20
0
06-11-01

10-01-02

01-03-02

15-01-04

40
20
0
05-07-00 21-01-01 09-08-01 25-02-02 13-09-02 01-04-03 18-10-03

Fig. 17 Dams crest results T59.

5.7. Foundation influence

Regarding the effect of the foundation, it is known
that the modelation of the foundation, in relation to its
consideration as an adiabatic boundary, has effect in
the base nodes, since in the first case the heat flow can
be dissipated to the foundation. Thus, for a node in the
dams base, in a central section, calculated
temperatures in models with and without foundation
are represented, respectively, in blue and black in Fig.
18. Shown results support the mentioned above. It is
also found that this effect isnt propagated in height:
by analyzing the mentioned models (with and without
considering the foundation), at the base instruments
height (approximately distanced 20,0m from the base),
reported in Fig. 19, it is clear that there is no
difference between modeling the foundation or
considering it as simply adiabatic, since both curves
are coincident. It is concluded that, in these sections,
the heat is dissipated by the exposed surfaces and not
by the foundation.

20

21-11-01

29-06-03

T(C)

40

02-10-01

11-12-02

Fig. 16 Dams crest results T49.

T(C)

0
13-08-01

25-05-02

20-04-02

Fig. 13 Near the dams base results G27.

T(C)

T(C)

40

40
20
20
0
06-01-99

25-07-99

10-02-00

28-08-00

16-03-01
0
16-07-98

Fig. 14 Near the dams base results G08.

01-02-99

20-08-99

07-03-00

23-09-00

11-04-01

Fig. 18 Consideration of the foundation in the dams base nodes.

11

for each phase of concreting or striking), allowing to

represent the real rhythm of casting.

T(C)
40

Also regarding the model, it is necessary to refine the

mesh near the exposed faces, in order to be able to
precisely represent the daily wave airs temperature.

20
0
10-07-99

26-01-00

13-08-00

01-03-01

Fig. 19 Consideration of the foundation near the dams base

nodes (approximately 20,0m - G05).

6.

The concretes placement temperature is also relevant

in the calculation of the concretes temperature rise.
The effect associated to this initial condition tends to
decrease over time, with intensity depending on the
layers exposure conditions. This observation confirms
the limited efficiency of the constituent concrete
materials pre-cooling as a technique of temperature
control.

CONCLUSIONS

The thermal behavior study of dams is essential since

it allows reflecting on the progress of construction
processes, as well as on the different structural types
of concrete dams to adopt, in order to limit the
temperature and to moderate retraction effects
associated with the curing process and hardening of
concrete. Therefore, it is an important tool in the
assessment of the safety of the dams.

It was found that the modeling of the foundation or its

consideration as an adiabatic boundary only affects the
dams base nodes temperature.
The combination of the correct simulation of all these
factors, as noted, allows obtaining very credible
estimates of concretes temperature variations during
construction. Thus, it is possible to rehearse, in the
design stage, different rates of concreting, joint
spacing, materials, or even the use of artificial
refrigeration cooling, in order to adopt, in a
knowledgeable manner, the most efficient and
economic construction process at the level of the
concretes temperature control.

In order to plan efficiently the dams temperature

control measures, it is essential that this reflection is
based on reasonable estimations of the dams
temperature. After completing this study one came to
the understanding that it is possible, by using the
PATQ_2 [17] calculation program, to get very credible
estimates of the dams temperature during its
construction, as long as the most relevant factors are
well reproduced.
First of all, and starting with the obvious, it is
necessary to model the climatic action characteristic of
the dams location, as well as the materials properties.
Regarding the concrete, it is extremely important to
know its composition, as well as the type of cement
and its dosage, in order to represent the hydration
curve. It is also important to know the type of used
formwork and also the time it remains placed.

7.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

[1] F.-J. Ulm and O. Coussy, Modeling of

thermochemomechanical couplings of concrete at
early ages, Journal of Engineering Mechanics,
vol. 121(7), pp. 785-794, July 1995.

In what the finite elements mesh are concerned, it was

noticed that it is essential that its discretization is
adapted to the lift height, as well as to the spacing of
contraction joints, in order to provide the model the
flexibility to simulate the effective constructive
process. If the mesh is not adequately refined, and
combine multiple lifts in only one element, real
boundary conditions will not be well reproduced,
interfering with the hydration heat dissipation, with
repercussions on the elements temperature. Therefore,
it is essential that the finite element mesh has an
adapted discretization to the constructive phasing, not
only in the elements geometry, but also on its updating
over time (existing elements and exposure conditions,

[2] M. Cervera, J. Oliver and T. Prato, ThermoChemo-Mechanical Model for Concrete. I:

Hydration and Aging, Journal of Engineering
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[3] P. Mendes, "Aco Trmica Diferencial em
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[4] A. Silveira, "As variaes de temperatura nas
barragens". Tese de Especialista LNEC. Memria
n177, LNEC, 1961.

12

[5] USACE - Engineering and Design - Thermal

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[15] LNEC, Apreciao sobre o controlo da

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[16] L. G. d. Silva, Caracterizao das propriedades

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[18] Regulamento de betes de ligantes hidrulicos,

Decreto-Lei n 445/89 de 30 de Dezembro.
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13