ABSTRACT
For different geometries, like e.g. a wall and a cube, the same qualitative effects are noticed when size increases. Larger sizes yield a higher core temperature which is sustained for a longer period, and a higher maximum temperature difference between core and surface. However, the geometry of the cross section of the concrete element strongly influences the heat distribution caused by hydration after casting (Schickert 1990). In order to compare these effects for different shapes in a quantitative way it would be useful to dispose of a representative geometric parameter. The potential advantage of such a geometric parameter would be the possibility of obtaining a quick estimate of the maximum temperature rise and the maximum temperature difference between element core and surface by means of a simple onedimensional calculation, even for three-dimensional heat flow problems. Thus, an approximate though effective evaluation of the early age thermal crack risk, even at an early state of the project becomes possible.
