ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: The influence of thermal effects on the long-term durability of concrete structures is well-known, but consequences on the load-bearing behaviour in general do not occur. This holds true for structures under static loading conditions. In case of high-cycle dynamic excitation the degradation of the structural stiffness by cracking due to thermal effects may considerably diminish the ultimate load. This should be demonstrated by a pre-stressed concrete tower of a wind turbine. The fast development in wind energy with increasing capacities have lead to increasing dimensions concerning rotor diameter, generator size and tower height.
