Modeling of a pumped hydropower storage wall in 3d printing using the software Diana Fea

Resumo

Pumped Hydropower Storage (PHS) reservoirs are mass concrete structures; therefore, the effects of
cementitious materials in early ages, such as heat generation and autogenous retraction, must be assessed to avoid
thermal cracking. Construction in layers is one of the solution used to reduce the heat generated from the hydration
of the cementitious material and decrease concrete pouring heights and volume of cement. In this paper, 3D
printing that uses the deposition of thin layers is studied for a PHS reservoir wall. A 3D numerical model of a
0.40x2.0x3.0 m structure was developed in DIANA FEA software considering concrete mechanical properties
defined by Wolf [1] and thermic properties of a 400 kg/m3

concrete from the Japan Society of Civil Engineers [2].
The software was evaluated as a good modeling tool to simulate the layered construction technique and hydration
reactions through Finite Element Analysis. The thermal effects on concrete for 3D printing were discussed, and
the impacts of 3D construction on mass concrete were evaluated. It was concluded that the rising temperatures of
mass concrete do not damage the structure during the 3D printing; on the contrary, it accelerates the strength gain
of the cementitious composite for this construction method.