There are many issues that arise when one places mass concrete, specifically as it relates to reinforced concrete elements in buildings. These elements, which most typically include reinforced mat foundations, pile caps, footings, piers, and transfer elements, differ from other reinforced structures such as dams and retaining walls due to high stresses, quantities of steel reinforcement, and the use of high strength concrete. Mass concrete element placement in buildings, therefore, presents unique challenges. Mass Concrete: When It Applies The definition of mass concrete per the American Concrete Institute (ACI) is “any volume of concrete with dimensions large enough to require that measures be taken to cope with generation of heat from hydration of the cement and attendant volume change to minimize cracking” (ACI 116R and ACI 301). Although no specific thickness is given, a member thickness of three feet is often used as the threshold dimension for when mass concreting procedures are to be set in motion. Note that there may be circumstances where members with a thickness less than … Continue reading Mass Concreting