In the heart of Hanoi, Vietnam, a groundbreaking study is set to revolutionize the way we approach mass concrete construction, particularly in the energy sector. Van Hung Le, a researcher from Le Quy Don Technical University, has delved into the intricate world of concrete mix design and thermal management, offering practical solutions to a longstanding challenge: early thermal cracking.
Le’s research, published in the journal *Нанотехнологии в строительстве* (Nanotechnologies in Construction), focuses on the development of a concrete mix tailored for massive foundations, such as those used in energy infrastructure projects. The mix incorporates fly ash, blast furnace slag, a superplasticizer, and a temperature-rise inhibitor (TRI), aiming to achieve a compressive strength of 60 MPa after 28 days.
The crux of Le’s work lies in understanding the relationship between the initial temperature of concrete and the time intervals between layers of concrete placement. This understanding is pivotal in controlling early thermal cracking, a common issue in mass concrete structures that can compromise their durability and safety.
“By optimizing these two factors, we can significantly minimize the risk of thermal cracking,” Le explains. His study involved extensive laboratory tests to determine the compressive and tensile strength of the concrete, as well as its temperature rise under adiabatic conditions. Numerical simulations were then used to investigate the influence of the initial concrete temperature and the placement time interval on the temperature regime of the mass concrete structure.
The results of Le’s research are particularly relevant to the energy sector, where massive concrete foundations are a common requirement. “Our findings can serve as practical guidelines for the construction of monolithic concrete foundations,” Le states, highlighting the commercial impact of his work. By adhering to the derived equations and graphs relating the initial concrete temperature and placement time interval, construction professionals can ensure the durability and quality of their structures.
Moreover, Le’s research could shape future developments in the field of mass concrete construction. By providing a scientific basis for optimizing the temperature regime, his work paves the way for more efficient and safer construction practices. As the energy sector continues to grow and evolve, the demand for robust and reliable concrete structures will only increase, making Le’s research all the more valuable.
In the words of Le, “This is not just about preventing cracks; it’s about building a better, more sustainable future.” And with his groundbreaking research, that future seems a little bit brighter.