Optimizing coefficient of thermal expansion of concrete and its importance on concrete structures

Thermal stress development in concrete structures is significantly influenced by the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of concrete. Optimizing concrete CTE can reduce the thermal stress, which will eventually reduce the cracking potential of concrete structures. At early age, when concrete has low strength, it is much more vulnerable to cracking. Early-age cracking has a detrimental effect on the durability of concrete structures. This study presents the importance of concrete CTE on the thermal stress development in concrete structures as well as three techniques to reduce the CTE of concrete. Replacing high CTE coarse aggregates with low CTE coarse aggregates is the most effective method for reducing concrete CTE. Concrete CTE can also be reduced by reducing cement paste volume. However, if the cement paste reduction increases the void content in the concrete system, saturated concrete CTE is likely to increase.