Abstract

Ensuring the structural integrity and the durability of the concrete structures through proper thermal controlling techniques is of utmost importance. Even though concrete technology is slowly evolving, many studies are done to improve the quality of the concrete while reducing the cost. In developing countries, not much focus is given on optimizing the usual construction process for minimizing resource allocations and reducing the cost of thermal control. The thermal controlling technique can be used for all concrete structure irrespective of its size. This paper focuses on finding the minimum dimensions that require thermal control by analyzing the captured data on maximum temperature and maximum temperature difference. Data collection was done on the concrete structures in the New Kelani Bridge Project. Target structures where the temperature measurements need to be taken comprises of five different sizes respectively as 600 mm, 800 mm, 1000 mm, 1200 mm, and 1500 mm. The data were collected throughout 6 months in the New Kelani Bridge construction site. For each size, measurements were taken from several different structures. Only two measurements were taken from an 800mm structure, which happens to be the minimum number of observations made for size because only two such structures were available at the time readings were taken. A maximum number of readings were taken from 1000 mm sized structures, which were 26 readings from 13 structures. The findings indicate that thermal controlling techniques need to be used only for structures that exceed the least dimension of 1200 mm.