Thermal shock as a cause of cracking of concrete in massive bridge support elements - a case study

The paper presents an example of analysis of concrete cracking during construction of a massive bridge element, together with a demonstration of the expert diagnostic work aimed at a comprehensive assessment of the causes of crack development. The finite elements method analysis software FE-tool ConTeSt Pro was used. In the presented case there were typical doubts as to the reason of concrete cracking, and the performed analysis enabled identification of thermal shock as the primary cause of the observed distress. Finite element numerical simulations were adopted in order to analyze the temperature impact on crack development in the bridge elements. The complex case study analysis presented in the article may be treated as guidance on the use of scientific analysis methods in practical reinforced concrete cracking diagnostics. As a result of the work, thermal shock was identified to be the main reason for the damage of the massive bridge elements.