How to (accurately) calculate heat generated by concrete curing?

[downunderkiwi]

Hi there,

First post...hope it's not a dumb question.

I'm working on a forensic job analyzing the failure of a PE sewer outfall pipe inside a tunnel that was back filled with foamcrete.

I need to calculate the heat generated by the curing of the foamcrete to determine whether this was a factor in reducing the strength of the PE pipe prior to failure (anything over 65 dC is a problem).

So - Given concrete data such as water/cement ratio and density how can you point me in the direction of resources on how to find out the heat energy generated per m3 of foamcrete over time?

Thank you very much.
Alan

 

[kslee1000]

Try ACI and PCA. You will need to gather more information besides w/c ratio & density.

 

[Ron]

You can check the given references, but most likely you'll find those references address conventional portland cement concrete with aggregate, not cellular concrete as you are describing.

Secondly, foamcrete or cellular concrete has a relatively low cement content, and correspondingly the exothermic reaction is relatively innocuous, usually not even exceeding the ambient by more than a few degrees. Certainly not in the 65C range.

What type of failure was observed in the pipe? Was there an indication of a thermal impingement of any sort? Has the pipe been tested? What was the characterization of failure, i.e, did the pipe crack, did it displace, did it "melt"?