Control of Temperatures in Mass Concrete with Emphasis in the Use of HDPE Pipes as Part of a Cooling System - a Case Study at the Charles W. Cullen Bridge, Delaware

Abstract

This paper discusses different approaches used today to manage temperatures in mass concrete and provides comments about their feasibility as a function of particular job conditions such as access, weather and progress schedule. It serves as a summary of findings mostly resulted from experimentation made during the construction of the Charles W. Cullen Bridge (Indian River Inlet Bridge), a cable-stayed bridge located in Sussex County, Delaware. The reader will notice that often, a combination of techniques becomes the best way to effectively keep temperatures within the required limits and at the same time minimize project delays. The objective is to share empirical acquired knowledge and data in regards to mass concrete handling when the use of high early strength concrete mix is necessary and temperatures needs to be managed. Particular attention is given to the use of cooling pipes in combination with insulating blankets and precooling of concrete. Key words ⎯ gradient, heat of hydration, mass concrete, thermocouples.