scope:

"Mass concrete" is defined in ACI 116R as "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." The design of mass concrete structures is generally based principally on durability, economy, and thermal action, with strength often being a secondary rather than a primary concern. The one characteristic that distinguishes mass concrete from other concrete work is thermal behavior. Since the cement-water reaction is exothermic by nature, the temperature rise within a large concrete mass, where the heat is not quickly dissipated, can be quite high (see 5.1.1). Significant tensile stresses and strains may develop from the volume change associated with the increase and decrease of temperature within the mass. Measures should be taken where cracking due to thermal behavior may cause loss of structural integrity and monolithic action, or may cause excessive seepage and shortening of the service life of the structure, or may be esthetically objectionable. Many of the principles in mass concrete practice can also be applied to general concrete work whereby certain economic and other benefits may be realized.

This report contains a history of the development of mass concrete practice and discussion of materials and concrete mix proportioning, properties, construction methods and equipment, and thermal behavior. This report covers traditionally placed and consolidated mass concrete, and does not cover roller-compacted concrete. Roller-compacted concrete is described in detail in ACI 207.5R.

Mass concreting practices were developed largely from concrete dam construction, where temperature-related cracking was first identified. Temperature-related cracking also has been experienced in other thick-section concrete structures, including mat foundations, pile caps, bridge piers, thick walls, and tunnel linings.

High compressive strengths are usually not required in mass concrete structures; thin arch dams are exceptions. Massive structures, such as gravity dams, resist loads by virtue of their shape and mass, and only secondarily by their strength. Of more importance are durability and properties connected with temperature behavior and the tendency for cracking.

The effects of heat generation, restraint, and volume changes on the design and behavior of massive reinforced elements and structures are discussed in ACI 207.2R. Cooling and insulating systems for mass concrete are addressed in ACI 207.4R. Mixture proportioning for mass concrete is discussed in ACI 211.1.