The early behaviour of RCC in large dams

The evaluation of data from instrumentation installed at a number of large dams has suggested that RCC does not behave in the same way as conventional mass concrete under the influences of early hydration heat development and dissipation. Conventional design for RCC dams, however, continues to assume similar behaviour and accordingly, some incorrect assumptions may be applied in the thermal design of RCC dams. On a large scale and in the case of arch dams, this approach could imply significant impacts. Research described here has led to a greater understanding of the early behaviour of RCC in large dams.