Simulation of cooling pipes effects in 2D matrix free Galerkin finite volume solution of temperature field during the construction of gravity dams

In order to analyze the temperature field and the effects on a cooling pipe during the concrete hardening and gradual construction of mass concrete structures, a temperature simulation model was developed using finite volume method. The formulation of the model was derived by the application of the Galerkin method on the sub-domains which are formed by triangular elements. The algorithm considers the gradual moving of the top boundary of the solution domain. The accuracy of the numerical model was assessed by comparison of the results with available analytical solutions and experimental measurements of heat generation and transfer in the two-dimensional square domains. Having verified the accuracy of described two-dimensional finite volume heat solver for solid state (i.e. concrete media), the effect of embedded cooling pipes were imposed using an efficient technique. The accuracy of the developed model for simulation of heat generation and transfer combined with cooling pipes was assessed by modeling a thick concrete wall case which included a post cooling system with available measurements. Finally, the developed computer model was utilized to model the transient temperature field due to the effects of cement hydration, cooling pipes, heat conduction, laminar construction, boundary conditions and ambient weather in various stages of construction of a typical gravity dam.