Mass concrete
![]() |
[edit] Introduction
The generally accepted and widely-used definition of ‘mass concrete’ is that provided by the American Concrete Institute (ACI). It defines mass concrete as:
“…any volume of structural concrete in which a combination of dimensions of the member being cast, the boundary conditions, the characteristics of the concrete mixture, and the ambient conditions [which] can lead to undesirable thermal stresses, cracking, deleterious chemical reactions, or reduction in the long-term strength as a result of elevated concrete temperature due to heat of hydration.”
The emphasis on thermal behaviour – which can cause a loss of structural integrity and monolithic action – is the only characteristic that distinguishes mass concrete from other concrete work.
Mass concrete is usually associated with large, poured in-situ concrete structures such as dams, bridge piers, foundations to very tall buildings and other large volume placements which are at least 1m-deep. In many cases, mass concrete is unreinforced and therefore strong in compression but weak in tension.
[edit] Hoover Dam
Construction of the Hoover Dam (pictured) on the Colorado River, USA, began in 1931, required enormous quantities of mass concrete (3.3 million cubic metres) to construct its arch-gravity structure. It is 13.7m wide at the top and 201m-wide at the bottom. To dissipate the heat generated by the cooling (setting) of the mass concrete required a vast network of water circulating through steel pipes. Without this, the concrete would still be setting today.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Admixtures in concrete.
- Cast-in-place concrete.
- Cement mortar.
- Compression.
- Compressive strength.
- Concrete-steel composite structures.
- Concreting plant.
- Laitance.
- Portland cement.
- Precast concrete.
- Prestressed concrete.
- Power float.
- Reinforced concrete.
- Self-compacting concrete.
- Smart concrete.
- Testing concrete.
- The properties of concrete.
- Types of concrete.
Featured articles and news
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation which closes 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
CIOB Construction Manager of the Year 2025
Just one of the winners at the CIOB Awards 2025.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.
Construction Products Reform Green Paper and Consultation
Still time to respond as consultation closes on 21 May 2025.
Resilient façade systems for smog reduction in Shanghai
A technical approach using computer simulation and analysis of solar radiation, wind patterns, and ventilation.