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
Shading for housing, a design guide
A look back at embedding a new culture of shading.
The Architectural Technology Awards
The AT Awards 2025 are open for entries!
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Passivhaus social homes benefit from heat pump service
Sixteen new homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus constructed in Dumfries & Galloway.
CABE Publishes Results of 2025 Building Control Survey
Concern over lack of understanding of how roles have changed since the introduction of the BSA 2022.
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter progresses
ECA progressing on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.