FINITE ELEMENT ASSESSMENT OF STRENGTHENING STRATEGIES FOR REINFORCED CONCRETE STRUCTURES SUBJECTED TO HIGH THERMAL GRADIENTS IN THE PRIMARY ALUMINUM INDUSTRY
Abstract
This study investigates the thermo-structural behavior of a reinforced concrete wall subjected to high thermal gradients in an anode baking furnace, with emphasis on the influence of material properties on structural deformations. A numerical model based on the Finite Element Method (FEM) was developed using the real dimensions of the structure to evaluate the effects of thermal parameters on structural response. Additionally, different strengthening strategies were proposed to mitigate displacements throughout the operational cycle. The solutions were assessed through the comparison of displacement fields, allowing the evaluation of the relative efficiency of each approach. The results indicate that interventions that excessively restrain thermal deformation tend to intensify displacements, whereas solutions that promote proper stress redistribution show improved performance. Furthermore, material properties were found to significantly influence deformation magnitude, highlighting the importance of their accurate characterization in numerical models. Among the evaluated alternatives, proposal 6 demonstrated the greatest practical applicability, providing consistent displacement reduction and improved global structural behavior. These findings offer relevant technical support for defining strengthening strategies in structures subjected to severe thermal conditions, contributing to enhanced safety and durability.
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