Abstract

Accurate understanding and modelling of the thermo-hygro-mechanical behavior of concrete is crucial for a reliable assessment of the effects of thermal loads on concrete structures, particularly if a certain level of performance is required in the case of accidental loads such as fire. This is the case for nuclear structures, such as prestressed concrete pressure vessels. Moreover, other applications in civil engineering occur whenever concrete is loaded in compression under transient thermal conditions, for example concrete columns, slabs and domes subjected to natural fires. In this context, the talk discusses the main challenges related to concrete modelling under transient high temperatures and presents a novel thermo-hygro-mechanical constitutive model for concrete structures subjected to heating under multiaxial loads.

Giacomo Torelli got both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Civil Engineering from the University of Florence (Italy). During his Master’s degree, he attended the CEGE department of University College London as a visiting researcher. In October 2014 Giacomo joined the School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering of the \University of Manchester for a PhD on the thermo-hygro-mechanical behaviour of concrete simultaneously subjected to mechanical loads and transient high temperatures. Giacomo joined the University of Cambridge in November 2017. He currently holds a position as Research Associate in the Concrete & Composite Structures Group (CCSG) within the Civil Engineering Division of the Department of Engineering.