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Gajda Presents at Electric Power Conference & Exhibition in Rosemont, IL
John Gajda, Principal Engineer in Materials Consulting at CTLGroup, presented a session at the Electric Power Conference & Exhibition, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL on Wed., May 11, 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.
His presentation, titled "Mass Concrete of Nuclear Structures," was part of Session 3D: "Managing the Risks of New Nuclear Megawatts."
Nuclear power plants often have many massive concrete sections which may include foundations, the containment shell, the turbine pedestal and shielding. Without special attention, massive sections can and often does suffer from cracking and/or premature deterioration due to uncontrolled temperatures and temperature differences during the time of construction.
Control of temperatures and temperature differences can be achieved by various means such as the use of a specially-engineered concrete, surface insulation, insulated formwork, lifts, precooling of the concrete, waiting adequate time between placements and/or cooling pipes. Project specifications affect the efforts needed to control temperatures and temperature differences, and to prevent cracking.
Proper and user-friendly specifications are an important consideration; however, understanding mass concrete and its implications on construction are a key requirement. This presentation features an overview of mass concrete, important considerations, and discusses tried and true methods to minimize the effects of mass concrete construction on the project schedule.
Bio
John Gajda, PE, has 15+ years of mass concrete experience on hundreds of mass concrete projects throughout the world. He is the current chair of ACI 207 committee on mass concrete.
For more information, visit the Electric Power website.