1

Design Aids for the Evaluation of Creep Induced Structural Effects

by M. Sassone and M. A. Chiorino.



Synopsis:
Many structural problems involving creep in concrete structures can be solved
in very compact closed forms through the fundamental theorems of linear
viscoelasticity of aging materials. This general approach requires the knowledge
of three basic functions: the compliance function J, derived directly from the
creep prediction models available in the literature and in technical guidance
documents, and the relaxation (R) and redistribution () functions, that can be
calculated from J. This paper presents an interactive web site for quick automatic
calculation of these three basic functions, with reference to the principal creep
models presently considered by international civil engineering societies.
Starting from the approach suggested by Bazant for the numerical solution of
the fundamental Volterra integral equation relating R to J, identically applied to
derive from J, a complete procedure has been developed, including the user
interface necessary for setting input data and handling output results. The
immediate availability of the basic functions allows extended comparisons of the
outputs of the different models and evaluation of the influence that the selection
of a particular model has on the assessment of structures.
The web site has a flexible architecture and will be progressively extended to
include calculation of other functions of interest for the creep analysis of
structures, e.g. the aging coefficient of the age-adjusted-effective-modulus-
method, and the reduced relaxation functions R* that extend the field of
application of the fundamental theorems to the analysis of heterogeneous
structures, such as e.g. cable-stayed bridges.

Key words: compliance; concrete; creep; creep analysis; design aids;
numerical solver; redistribution function; relaxation; prediction models; structural
analysis; web site



2
Mario Sassone holds a PhD in structural engineering and currently he is
research assistant at the Politecnico di Torino. His doctoral thesis concerned
interface problems in steel-concrete composite structures. He is presently working
on reliability evaluation of reinforced concrete structures, with particular
attention to long term creep effects on the serviceability limit state.

ACI member and ACI Italy Chapter President, Mario A. Chiorino is Professor
of Structural Mechanics at the Politecnico di Torino and a member of the Turin
Academy of Sciences. He has been associated with CEB activities since 1968 as a
member of the CEB Advisory Committee, the Committee for the CEB-FIP Model
Code 1990, various technical committees, and as editor of the CEB Design
Manual "Structural Effects of Time-dependent Behavior of Concrete


INTRODUCTION

Creep analysis of structures is normally performed on the basis of the linear
theory of viscoelasticity for aging materials. A large number of practical problems
concerning the influence of creep effects on the reliability and durability of
concrete structures can be solved exactly, and in very compact closed forms,
through the four fundamental theorems of this theory, as demonstrated by the
second author in a parallel paper and in previous works [Chiorino et al. 1984;
Chiorino and Lacidogna 1993, 1999, Chiorino 2000, 2005, Chiorino et al. 1997,
1999, 2002]. These compact formulations are particularly suitable for codes and
technical guidance documents CEB 1993, CEN 2003, and helpful in the global
assessment of creep induced structural effects in the preliminary design stages, as
well as in the control of the output of the final detailed numerical investigations
and safety checks.

The conditions to be respected are the homogeneity of the concrete structure
and the rigidity of the restraints. Under these assumptions, the compact solutions
are characterized by one of the three fundamental functions, depending on the
type of problem under consideration, i.e.:

- the compliance function J(t,t
0
) for the problems of imposed loads;
- the relaxation function R(t,t
0
), for the problems of imposed geometrical actions,
- the redistribution function (t,t
0,
t
1
), for the problems of change of static system.

J(t,t
0
) represents the strain response at time t of the material to a constant unit
sustained stress applied at different ages t
0
at loading.
R(t,t
0
) represents the stress response at time t of the material to a constant unit
sustained strain applied at different ages t
0
at loading.
(t,t
0,
t
1
) measures the creep induced stress redistribution following a change of
static scheme at t = t
1
t
0
+

, ( with t
0
+
= age immediately after loading); it has
the character of a non dimensional factor whose values lie in the interval (0,1)
(with = 0 for t = t
1
), and measures at a given time t the creep induced part of the
difference between the stress distribution corresponding to an hypothetical
3
application of the constant sustained loads to the structure in its final static
scheme and the stress distribution in the structure in its original static scheme,
which is progressively transferred into the structure by creep.

A fourth function, termed the aging coefficient and related by an algebraic
equation to J and R , can be used for the compact solution of many creep analysis
problems, both exactly or with different degrees of approximations depending on
the type of problem, adopting the age-adjusted-effective-modulus (AAEM)
method [Bazant 1972b; see also Chiorino et al. 1984; Chiorino and Lacidogna
1993, 1999, Chiorino 2000, 2005, CEN 2004].

Finally, a further group of functions, called reduced relaxation functions R*,
allows application of the fundamental theorems of the linear theory of
viscoelasticity for aging materials to the analysis of heterogeneous concrete
structures with elastic restraints (like e.g. cable-stayed bridges). The R* functions
depend on the compliance J of the concrete part of the structure and on some
characteristic parameters of the heterogeneous structure [Chiorino et al. 1986,
Mola 1993, Giussani and Mola 2003].

The compliance as a function of time t and age at loading t
0
can be obtained
from creep prediction models suggested by technical documents of international
engineering associations, or available in the literature, on the basis of the physical
parameters (material, ambient and geometrical parameters) characterizing the
concrete and the structure, or structural element, under consideration.

The relaxation and the redistribution functions R and , and the reduced
relaxation functions R*, can be obtained from J through the solution of the
fundamental Volterra integral equations relating R , and R* to J. The aging
coefficient is then derived as an algebraic function of J and R. For realistic
forms of the compliance, like for instance those suggested by the principal creep
models considered by civil engineering societies, integration of the Volterra
integral equations for the determinations of the derived functions R (and thus also
), , and R*, cannot be obtained analytically, and numerical integration is
necessary.

Design aids to speed up the computation of both the primary function J and the
derived functions are therefore needed by researchers and designers, and are
essential for a rapid application in the design activity of the compact solutions for
creep analysis problems indicated above.

Standard numerical procedures of integration of the Volterra equation have
been developed [Bazant 1972a], and incorporated in design manuals [Chiorino et
al., 1984, Chiorino and Lacidogna 1993, 1999

For the CEB 1990 model code creep prediction model (CEB MC90) [CEB
1993], an extended set of charts of the primary function J, and of the derived
4
functions R, and , for a wide range of influencing parameters, have been
determined on the basis of these numerical procedures and incorporated in the
revised edition of the CEB Design Manual on Structural Effects of Time-
Dependent Behaviour of Concrete [Chiorino and Lacidogna 1993].

The design tool offered to researchers and to the profession is in the format of a
web site incorporating a numerical solver, instead of traditional design charts. The
numerical solver can be included into Finite Elements codes, when dealing with
structures not exceedingly complex.

RESEARCH SIGNIFICANCE

The paper discusses the problems concerned with the development of a
computer program for the automatic computation (both numerical and graphical)
of the entire set of functions that are of interest for the creep analysis of concrete
structures, on the basis of the physical parameters characterizing the structural
problem under consideration, and with reference to the three prevailing creep
prediction models (CEB MC90, B3
1
[Bazant and Baweja 2000], and GL2000
[Gardner and Lockman 2001]) published in the literature and presently under
consideration in the revision of the ACI 209 document on creep and creep
structural effects [ACI 209 2004].

To make the software available to the scientific community a web page has
been developed, from which it is possible to download the setup files and run the
application on a computer. The web page is hosted by the web site of the
Politecnico di Torino and can be reached at the web address
www.polito.it/creepanalysis. The Creepanalysis Research Group at the Politecnico
di Torino will develop and upgrade the design aids as well as the web page
architecture.

As a first step the computer program allows the computation of the three
functions J, R, and , permitting the compact and theoretically correct solution of
the majority of practical problems concerning the evaluation of the influence of
creep effects on the reliability and durability of homogeneous concrete structures.
In the future developments of the research the architecture of the web page will be
progressively extended to include the automatic calculation of the other functions
of interest for the creep analysis of structures, like and R*.


1
A web page has been already developed as a design tool for the quick
evaluation of J only for the B3 model. The page computes single numerical values
of J at a given time t for a given age at loading t
0
, once the data concerning the
characteristics of the concrete, of the structural element and of the ambient have
been inserted by the user [Krstek et al. 2001].

5
In the implementation of numerical methods for the solution of integral
Volterra equations some problems have been encountered, and are discussed in
the text, when trying to represent the predictions of the different models for
equivalent conditions. These difficulties arise in the definition of both the
equivalence of these conditions, with regard to the material parameters, and of
equivalent initial (nominal elastic) or very short term responses.

The immediate availability of the basic functions allows extended comparisons
of the outputs of the different models, and an estimation of the consequent
influence that the selection of a particular model has on the assessment of
structures.

GENERAL STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAM

The Creep Beta 1.0 program is a C++ stand-alone compiled application, that
can be installed on computers running MS Windows. The choice to develop a
stand-alone routine, complete with all the interfaces and data output features,
instead of a routine running inside a given mathematical environment, allowed the
creation of an easy to use tool for everybody who needs a quick print of the creep
related curves.

By means of the input interface windows it is possible to input all the values
required by prediction models, as well as the initial and final time for each curve
and all the options related to calculation. The ouput consists of text files of the
numerical values of results and graphic bitmap files of the charts. Because the
program is intended as a working tool many options and settings are included.

The main window provides a graphic screen where the computed diagrams of
the different functions are drawn: all the parameters of the graphic screen can be
edited by the user, scaling, boundary and type of coordinates (linear or
logarithmic). From the main window it is possible to select what type of diagram
to draw (compliance J, relaxation R or redistribution ), the type of integration
rule for the numerical solver of the integral equation (rectangle or trapezoidal),
and the number of time steps. It is possible to print the diagrams as shown in the
window.

Figures 1 to 6 present examples of the main window for both compliance and
relaxation functions, for the three creep prediction models: CEB MC90, B3 and
GL2000, for the set of parameters indicated and for selected values of the age at
loading t
0
. The examples concerning the calculation of the redistribution function
(t,t
0,
t
1
) for the three models are presented in Figures 7 to 12, for the same set of
parameters and for two different values of the age at loading t
0
, for selected values
of the age t
1
at which the static system is changed.



6
FUNDAMENTAL INTEGRAL EQUATIONS

The following Volterra type linear integral equations hold for the
determination from the compliance J of the relaxation function R and of the
redistribution function , respectively [Chiorino and Lacidogna 1993, 1999,
Chiorino 2005, Dezi et al. 1990, Dezi and Tarantino 1991]:
) , ( ) , ( ) , ( ) , ( 1
0 0 0 0
0
t R d t J t t J t t R
t
t

+ (1)
) , , ( ) , ( ) , ( ) , (
1 0 0 1 0
1
t t d t J t t J - t t J
t
t

(2)

NUMERICAL SOLUTION

The classical numerical algorithm first proposed by Bazant [Bazant 1972a] was
adopted for the approximate solution of eqs. (1) and (2). The algorithm is
illustrated in Appendix 1, with reference to the determination of R by eq. (1) and
using the trapezoidal rule. Considering that the term J(t
1
,t
0
) at the left side of eq.
(2) is constant by respect to time, the numerical solution of eq. (2) can be easily
obtained adopting the same algorithm, provided that t t
0
and t
1
t
0
.

Two options are available for the approximation of the integrals with finite
sums: the trapezoidal rule and the rectangle rule. The second option allows a
quicker solution and usually leads to acceptable approximations if the number of
time steps is not too small. However, computation time is not significant even
when adopting the trapezoidal rule: of the order of seconds for the entire family of
curves of R or appearing on one window.

The selection of the most convenient progressions of time steps, in terms of
amplitude of the first time interval and rate of the geometrical progression, or in
terms of final time, can be easily performed thanks to the rapidity of the process
verifying the influence of the refinement of the adopted subdivision of the time
scale on the numerical results of the computed function through repeated trials.

The following values are normally adequate for accuracy in the results up to
third digit for all the models:
- amplitude of the first time interval: t
2
= t
2
- t
1
= 0.01 day = 864 s,
- number of step per decade: m = 80,
- number of steps for 10
5
days: 550.

CREEP MODELS

The following models have been embedded in the program: CEB MC90, B3,
and GL2000. Their formulations are presented in Appendix 2, together with the
input data required by each model.

7



EQUIVALENT CONDITIONS FOR A COMPARISON OF MODELS

For a comparison of the predictions of the different models, equivalent
conditions can be established setting at the same values identical or equivalent
parameters.

Some minor problems arise in this selection, as e.g. in the case of the
parameters related to the type of cement, due the different classification of
cements in the CEB-FIP Model Code and in American Standards. In the examples
of the families of curves shown in Figs. 1 to 12 the following equivalence has
been adopted: normal (N) or rapid hardening (R) cements for CEB MC90 model,
and Type I cement for B3 and GL2000 models.

One other minor difficulty is due to the fact that the reference concrete strength
is the characteristic strength at 28 days f
ck28
(termed f
ck
) for CEB MC90 model,
and the mean compressive strength at 28 days f
cm28
for the B3 and GL2000
models. The characteristic strength f
ck
has been selected as one of the general
input data in the present program. The relationship f
cm28
= 1.1 f
ck28
+ 5.0 (MPa),
suggested by GL2000 model for an estimation of f
cm28
from f
ck28
, has been
extended also to the B3 model.

B3 and GL2000 models require the introduction of the additional parameter t
c

(age when drying begins, end of moist curing, with t
c
= t
0
). In the examples of the
families of curves shown in Figs. 1 to 12 a fixed value t
c
= 3 days has been
adopted for all the curves.

In this respect, it must be observed that model GL2000 specifies that to
calculate relaxation the correction term (t
c
) for the effect of drying before
loading must remain constant at the initial value throughout the relaxation period.
This specification has been extended to the calculation of the redistribution
function. Therefore, when the solver calculates for this model a curve of the
relaxation function R(t,t
0
) or of the redistribution function (t,t
0,
t
1
) for a given t
0
,
the value of (t
c
) has been be set constant for all the compliance curves involved
in the calculation at the value calculated for t
0
. On the contrary, in B3 model the
value of t
c
= t
0
is set constant for all the compliance curves involved in the same
type of calculations.

Model B3 requires the introduction of further parameters related to the
concrete mix and to curing conditions. The following values were adopted for the
curves shown in the figures:

Aggregate content: a = 1820 kg/m
3

Cement content: c = 400 kg/m
3

8
Water content: w = 180 kg/m
3

Curing condition factor:
2
= 1,2 (normal curing)
Cross section factor: k
s
= 1

INITIAL (NOMINAL ELASTIC) VALUES OF STRAINS AND STRESSES

In creep prediction models the compliance function J(t,t
0
) is normally
conventionally separated into an initial age dependent strain due to unit stress
J(t
0
+ ,t
0
) with = t - t
0
small, which is treated as instantaneous and elastic
(nominal elastic strain), and represented as the inverse of a nominal elastic
modulus E
c
(t
0
), and a creep strain C(t ,t
0
), i.e.:

) (
1
) , ( ) , (
0
0 0 0 0
t E
t t J t t J
c
+ (3)
) , (
) (
1
) , (
0
0
0
t t C
t E
t t J
c
+ (4)

By analogy, in the relaxation function the initial age dependent stress response
due to a unit imposed strain for = t - t
0
small is treated as instantaneous and
elastic, i.e.:

R(t
0
+ , t
0
) R(t
0
, t
0
) = E
c
(t
0
) (5)

as indicated in eq. (1).

This conventional separation is included directly in the formulations of the
model for CEB MC90 and GL2000 models.

For CEB MC 90 it is accompanied by the indication that the corresponding
modulus of elasticity is defined as the tangent modulus at the origin of the stress-
strain diagram, and that it is approximately equal to the slope of the secant of
the unloading branch for rapid unloading and does not include initial plastic
deformation. As for the stress rate an indication of 1MPa/s is given [CEB 1993].

For GL2000 no specific indication is given on the stress duration for measuring
the initial strain and the corresponding elastic modulus E
cmt0
.

In model B3 this conventional separation is not applicable. The formulation of
the model includes an instantaneous strain due to unit stress, termed q
1
, which is
age independent and represents the inverse of an asymptotic modulus for load
durations t t
0
= 0. To be able to compare the graphical outputs of functions J
and R of model B3 with those of the other models, a conventional value of = 10
seconds has been adopted in eq. (3). It must be noted that the graphical
representation of the relaxation curves requires selecting a conventional initial
(nominal elastic) stress due to the unit imposed strain.
9
COMPARISONS OF THE PREDICTIONS OF THE DIFFERENT MODELS

The immediate availability of extended sets of charts of the basic functions J, R
and , for a wide range of material, geometrical and ambient parameters, allows
easy comparisons between the different models.

Although the reliability of creep prediction models must be evaluated with
respect to their agreement with the available experimental results (essentially
concerning the compliance J and gathered in the data bank [MLLER 1993]), a
comparison between the predictions of the different models is not devoid of
interest.

In fact, in the parallel paper [Chiorino 2005] it has been observed that, in spite
of the fair to good ratings depending on the adopted statistical criteria and
indicators attributed in the recent literature [ACI 2004, Al-Manaseer and Lam
2004] to all the three models considered here, with regard to their agreement with
the data bank, considerable differences can be observed between the predictions
of the different models. In particular the differences between on one side the CEB
MC90 creep model and, on the other side, B3 and GL2000 models, respectively,
are noteworthy.

These differences concern both the shapes of the families of curves, and their
long-term values, for all the basic functions. In fact, the influence of both long
elapsed times t (e.g. for time ranges of the order of magnitude of the service life of
a structure, that largely exceed the extension of any experimental collection of
data), and of almost the entire range of ages t
0
at loading or t
1
at the moment of
modification of the static scheme, is evaluated in significantly different ways by
the two groups of models. This can be clearly observed e.g. in the set of Figures 1
to 3 for J, 4 to 6 for R, and of Figures 7 to 12 for , for typical average values of
the input parameters.

The reasons of these differences and their impact on design strategies, and on
the formulation of code provisions, have been discussed in the parallel paper.

The flexibility and immediateness of the program presented in this paper,
allowing extended parametric explorations, offer a valuable instrument for this
kind of evaluations.

CONCLUSIONS

The general approach of creep analysis of structures based on the linear theory
of viscoelasticity and on the extended use of the four fundamental theorems leads
to very compact and theoretically correct solutions for homogeneous structrures
with rigid and delayed restraints. The use of reduced relaxation functions allows
the theoretical solution to be extended to homogeneous structures with elastic
restraints.
10

In this perspective the paper has presented a powerful design tool, conceived
for researchers and designers, consisting of a software application for a quick,
automatic calculation of the three basic functions (compliance function J,
relaxation function R and redistribution function ) characterizing these solutions,
with reference to the principal creep models presently considered by international
civil engineering societies. The computer program has been designed to be easy to
use and to allow control on all the parameters involved by the prediction models,
It has a powerful graphic module for handling and printing charts.

The three following models have been considered: CEB MC 90, B3 and
GL2000. The immediate availability of the basic functions allows extended
comparisons of the outputs of the different models, and the evaluation of the
influence that the selection of a particular model has on the assessment of
structures.

To allow a large distribution of this design aid a web page has been created,
from which the software can be easily downloaded. The web page
www.polito.it/creepanalysis is hosted by the web site of the Politecnico di Torino
and will be upgraded by the Creepanalysis Research Group with the aim of
developing further automatic tools devoted to the creep structural analysis.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The assistance of Dr. G. Lacidogna is gratefully acknowledged.


APPENDIX 1

Numerical solution of the fundamental integral equation for the determination
of the relaxation function R(t,t
0
) from the compliance function J(t,t
0
)

The numerical procedure illustrated in the following consists in the step-by-
step solution of the Volterra integral equation (1) for the determination of the
relaxation function R(t,t
0
) from a given compliance function J(t,t
0
), and is based
on the approximation (with the trapezoidal rule) of the superposition integral with
finite sums.
Subdividing time t by discrete times t
0
, t
1
, t
2
,...t
i
...t
k
into sub intervals t
i
= t
i
- t
i-
1
(i=1,2,...,k) (with t
0
t
1
and t
1
= t
1
- t
0
= 0, and consequently
c
(t
1
) = 1), eq.
(1) may then be written:
1
1
2
1
1
+

i
k
k i k i i
J t t J t t R t [ ( , ) ( , )] ( ) (A1.1)
Rewriting eq. (A1.1) for t=t
k-1
(for k>1):
1
1
2
1
1
1 1 1
+

i
k
k i k i i
J t t J t t R t [ ( , ) ( , )] ( ) (A1.2)

11
and subtracting these equation from (A1.1) one obtains:

for k >1

R t
J t t J t t J t t J t t R t
J t t J t t
k
i
k
k i k i k i k i i
k k k k
( )
[ ( , ) ( , ) ( , ) ( , )] ( )
( , ) ( , )

+
+

1
1
1 1 1 1
1
(A1.3)

for k =1
R t
J t t J t t
E t
c
( )
( , ) ( , )
( )
1
1 1 0 0
0
1 1
(A1.4)

In consideration of:
- the particular prescribed strain history, which exhibits only an immediate
discontinuous change at time of loading t
0
t
1
(
c
(t
1
) = 1) and remains constant
afterwards, and the corresponding stress history (relaxation function) showing a
corresponding initial instantaneous change followed by a variation (decrement) at
a decreasing rate,
- the particular shape of the creep curves described by the compliance
function J(t,t
0
) which are characterized by significant slopes in the logarithmic
time-scale for elapsed times ranging from seconds to decades of years (rapid
initial increments of the strain followed by increments at decreasing rate and
limited, but non negligible, long-term increments),
it is possible to gradually increase the time steps t
k
in order to reach the long-
term response with an acceptable number of steps, considering that the first
interval should be of the order of fractions of the day (due to the high initial slope
of the creep curves, and, correspondingly, of the calculated relaxation curve).
For practical computation it is most convenient [Bazant 1972a] to choose the
discrete time (t
k
- t
0
) in a geometric progression, that is (t
k
- t
0
)/( t
k-1
- t
0
) =
constant = q. In the log(t-t
0
) time scale the time steps appear as constant and
putting q=10
1/m
, i.e.:
(t
k
- t
0
) = 10
1/m
( t
k-1
- t
0
) or log(t
k
- t
0
)=1/m +log( t
k-1
- t
0
),
m represents the number of steps per decade log10 (discussion in [Chiorino and
Lacidogna 1993]).

APPENDIX 2

In this appendix a compact summary of the formulations and the parameters
involved in numerical calculation is given; some problems related to different
definitions of parameters are discussed at the end of each model description.


A2.1 CEB MC90 Model [CEB 1993]

ci c
E
t t
t E
t t J
) 0
0
0
, (
) (
1
) , (

+
12

3 / 1
0 0 ci
] / ) [(
cm ck c
f f f E E +

4
0
10 15 . 2
c
E
8 f
10
0

cm
f

ci E
E t E ) ( (t)
c


5 . 0
)] ( [ ) ( t t
cc E

'

'

]
]
]
]

,
`

.
|

2 / 1
1
/
28
1 exp ) (
t t
s t
cc

1
1
t
) ( ) , (
0 0 0
t t t t
c

) ( ) (
0 0
t f
cm RH


3 / 1
0
0
) / ( 46 . 0
/ 1
1
h h
RH RH
RH

+
% 100
0
RH
u A h
c
/ 2
100
0
h

5 . 0
0
) / (
3 . 5
) (
cm cm
cm
f f
f

2 . 0
1 0
0
) / ( 1 . 0
1
) (
t t
t
+


3 . 0
1 0
1 0
0
/ ) (
/ ) (
) (
]
]
]

t t t
t t t
t t
H
c

1500 250 2 . 1 1 150
0
18
0
+

'

'

,
`

.
|
+
h
h
RH
RH
H


The input data necessary to perform calculation are:
f
ck
concrete characteristic compressive strength at 28 days [MPa]
s coefficient related to the type of cement
RH relative humidity expressed as percentage
A
c
section cross area [mm
2
]
u section perimeter [mm]
t age of concrete [days]
t
0
age of concrete at loading [days].
13
A2.2 B3 Model [BAZANT and BAWEJA 2000]

) , , ( ) , ( ) , (
0 0 0 0 c d 1
t t t C t t C q t t J + +

28 1
/ 6 . 0
cm
E q

28 28
4734
cm cm
f E (*)
) / ln( ] ) ( 1 ln[ ) , ( ) , (
0 4 0 3 0 2 0 0
t t q t t q t t Q q t t C
n
+ + +

9 . 0
28
5 . 0 6
2
10 4 . 185


cm
f c q

) 0 ( / 1
) 0 (
0
0
0 0
) , (
) (
1 ) ( ) , (
t r
t r
f
f
t t Z
t Q
t Q t t Q

]
]
]
]

,
`

.
|
+

1 9 / 4
0
9 / 2
0 0
] ) ( 21 . 1 ) ( 086 . 0 [ ) (

+ t t t Q
f

] ) ( 1 ln[ ) ( ) , (
0 0 0
n m
t t t t t Z +


8 ) ( 7 . 1 ) (
12 . 0
0 0
+ t t r

4
2 3
) / ( 29 . 0 c w q q

7 . 0 6
4
) / ( 10 3 . 20

c a q

2 / 1
0 5 0
)}] ( 8 exp{ )} ( 8 [exp{ ) , , ( t H t H q t t t C
c d


6 . 0
6 1
28 5
10 757 . 0

sh cm
f q

6 28 . 0
28
1 . 2
2 1
10 ] 270 019 . 0 [

+
cm sh
f w
) ( ) 1 ( 1 ) ( t S h t H
) ( ) 1 ( 1 ) (
0 0
t S h t H

]
]
]
]

,
`

.
|

2 / 1
tanh ) (
sh
c
t t
t S

]
]
]
]

,
`

.
|

2 / 1
0
0
tanh ) (
sh
c
t t
t S

2 25 . 0
28
08 . 0
)] / ( 2 [ 085 . 0 S V k f t
s cm c sh



The input data necessary to perform calculation are:
f
cm28
concrete mean compressive strength at 28 days [MPa]
a aggregate content in concrete [Kg/m
3
]
c cement content in concrete [Kg/m
3
]
w water content in concrete [Kg/m
3
]
a
1
coefficient related to the Type of cement
a
2
coefficient related to the Curing method
h relative humidity express as a decimal
k
s
coefficient related to the Cross-section shape
V/S volume to surface ratio [mm]
t age of concrete [days]
t
0
age of concrete loading [days]
14
t
c
age when drying begins, end of moist curing [days].

Notes:
The value of E
cm28
is computed from the formula (*) which is considered as a
part of the model formulation.
The program calculates f
cm28
from the characteristic strength at 28 days f
ck28

according to the same formula suggested by GL2000 model.
The exponent m and n are empirical quantities assumed to be equal
respectively to 0.5 and 0.1.
The value of t
c
, representing the age when the moist curing of concrete ends
and start the drying, must be less than t
0
.
When the solver calculates a curve of the relaxation function R(t,t
0
) or of the
redistribution function (t,t
0,
t
1
) for a given t
0
, the value of t
c
is set constant for all
the compliance curves involved in calculation.

A2.3 GL2000 [GARDNER and LOCKMAN 2001]

28 0
0
1
) , (
cm cmt
E E
t t J

+

cmt cmt
f E 4300 3500 +

4 / 3
4 / 3
28
bt a
t
f f
cm cmt
+

0 . 5 1 . 1
28 28
+
ck cm
f f

,
`

.
|

,
`

.
|
+

,
`

.
|
+

,
`

.
|
+
+

5 . 0
2
0
0 2
5 . 0
0
0
5 . 0
0
3 . 0
0
3 . 0
0
) / ( 12 . 0
) 086 . 1 1 ( 5 . 2
7
7
14 ) (
) (
2 ) (
S V t t
t t
h
t t
t t
t t t
t t
t
c

If t
0
= t
c

1 ) (
c
t
If t
0
> t
c


5 . 0
5 . 0
2
0
0
) / ( 12 . 0
1 ) (
]
]
]
]

,
`

.
|
+

S V t t
t t
t
c
c
c


The input data necessary to perform calculation are:
f
cm28
concrete mean compressive strength at 28 days [MPa];
a,b coefficients related to the Type of cement;
h relative humidity expressed as a decimal;
V/S volume to surface ratio [mm];
t age of concrete [days]
t
0
age of concrete loading [days]
t
c
age when drying begins, end of moist curing [days].




15
Notes:
The value of f
cm28
is obtained from f
ck28
according to the formula:
which is considered as a part of the model formulation.
The value of t
c
, representing the age when the moist curing of concrete ends
and start the drying, must be less than t
0

When the solver calculates a curve of the relaxation function R(t,t
0
) or of the
redistribution function (t,t
0,
t
1
) for a given t
0
, the value of (t
c
) is set constant for
all the compliance curves involved in the calculation.


NOTATION

t = time, representing the age of concrete, in days
t
0
= age at loading, in days

t
0
+
= age immediately after loading, in days
t
1
t
0
+
= age at change of static scheme, in days
t
c
= age when drying begins, end of moist curing, in days
J(t,t
0
) = creep or compliance function,
R(t,t
0
) = relaxation function
(t,t
0
,t
1
) = redistribution function

For notations specific to the CEB MC 90, B3 and GL200 creep prediction
models refer to Appendix 2


REFERENCES

ACI 209 (2004), Guide to Factors Affecting Shrinkage and Creep of Hardened
Concrete, Chapter 5 - Modelling and Calculation of Shrinkage and Creep, Draft
Document.

Bazant Z.P. (1972a), Numerical Determination of Long-range Stress History from
Strain History in Concrete, Material and Structures, Vol. 5, pp. 135-141.

Bazant Z.P. (1972b), Prediction of Concrete Creep Effects Using Age-Adjusted
Effective Modulus method, ACI Journal, Vol. 69, p. 212-217.

Bazant Z. P. and Baweja S. (2000), Creep and shrinkage prediction model for
analysis and design of concrete structures: Model B3. in: A. Al-Manaseer ed., A.
Neville Symposium: Creep and Shrinkage Structural Design Effects, ACI Fall
Convention, 1997, ACI SP-194, pp. 1-83.

Bazant, Z. P. (2000), Criteria for Rational Prediction of Creep and Shrinkage of
Concrete, in: A. Al-Manaseer ed., A. Neville Symposium: Creep and Shrinkage
Structural Design Effects, ACI Fall Convention, 1997, ACI SP-194, pp. 237-260.

Bazant, Z. P. (2001), Creep of Concrete, Encyclopedia of Materials: Science and
Technology, K.H.J. Buschow et., Eds., Vol. 2C, Elsevier, Amsterdam, pp. 1797-
1800.

0 . 5 1 . 1
28 28
+
ck cm
f f
16
Bazant Z. P., Cusatis G. and Cedolin L. (2004), Temperature Effect on Concrete
Creep Modeled by Microprestress-Solidification Theory, Journal of Engineering
Mechanics, ASCE, Vol. 130, No. 6,June 1, 2004, pp. 691-699.

CEB (1993), CEB-FIP Model Code 1990, CEB Bulletin dInformation, N
213/214, Thomas Telford, London, 437 pp.

CEN EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION (2004), European Standard,
Eurocode 2: Design of concrete structures, Part 2: Concrete Bridges, Design and
detailing rules (Annex K), pr-EN 1992-2, Stage 49, July 2004, 120 pp .

Chiorino M.A. (Chairm. of Edit. Team), Napoli P., Mola F. and Koprna M.,
(1984), CEB Design Manual on Structural Effects of Time-dependent Behaviour
of Concrete, CEB Bulletin d'Information N 142/142 bis, Georgi Publishing Co.,
Saint-Saphorin, Switzerland, 391 pp.

Chiorino M.A., Creazza G., Mola F. and Napoli P. (1986), Analysis of Aging
Viscoelastic Structures with n-Redundant Elastic Restraints, Fourth RILEM
International Symposium on Creep and Shrinkage of Concrete: Mathematical
Modelling, Z.P. Bazant ed., Northwestern University, Evanston, 1986, pp. 623-
644.

Chiorino M.A. and Lacidogna G. (1993), Revision of the Design Aids of CEB
Design Manual on Structural Effects of Time-Dependent Behaviour of Concrete in
Accordance with the CEB/FIP Model Code 1990, CEB Bulletin d Information N
215, 297 pp.

Chiorino M.A., Dezi L. and Tarantino A.M. (1997), Creep Analysis of Structures
with Variable Statical Scheme: a Unified Approach, in: A. Al-Manaseer ed., A.
Neville Symposium: Creep and Shrinkage Structural Design Effects, ACI Fall
Convention, 1997, ACI SP-194, 2000, pp. 187-213.

Chiorino M.A. and Lacidogna G. (1999), General Unified Approach for Creep
Analysis of Concrete Structures, ACI-RILEM Workshop Creep and Shrinkage of
Concrete, March 1998, Revue franaise de gnie civil, vol. 3, N 3- 4, 1999, pp.
173-217.

Chiorino M.A., Dezi L. and Lacidogna G. (1999), Evaluation of Creep Influence
on the Modification of the Restraint Conditions in Concrete Structures,
Proceedings of fib Symposium 1999, Structural Concrete The Bridge between
People, Prague, October 1999, Vol. 2, pp.481-486.

Chiorino M. A. (2000), Principles for a Rational Viscoelastic Analysis of
Concrete Structures, Accademia delle Scienze, Torino, Memorie Sc. Fisiche, 24
(2000), pp. 57-80.

Chiorino M.A., Lacidogna G. and Segreto A. (2002), Design Criteria for Long-
term Performance of Concrete Structures Subjected to Initial Modifications of
Static Scheme, in Concrete Structures in the 21
st
Century, Proceedings of the 1
st

fib Congress 2002, Osaka, October 13-19, 2002, pp. 285-294.

Chiorino M. A. (2005), A Rational Approach to the Analysis of Creep Structural
Effects, in J. Gardner and J Weiss eds., Shrinkage and Creep of Concrete, ACI
SP-. 2005.

17
Dezi, L., Menditto, G., and Tarantino (1990), A.M., Homogeneous Structures
Subjected to Repeated Structural System Changes, J. Engrg. Mech., ASCE, Vol.
116, No. 8, August, 1990, pp. 1723-1732.

Dezi, L., and Tarantino, A.M.(1991), Time-dependent Analysis of Concrete
Structures with Variable Structural System, ACI Mat. Journ., Vol. 88, May-June
1991, pp. 320-324.

Gardner N.J. and Lockman M.J. (2001), Design Provisions for Drying Shrinkage
and Creep of Normal Strength Concrete, ACI Materials Journal, March-April,
pp.159-167.

Giussani F. and Mola F. (2003), Long-term Behaviour of Cable-stayed Bridges,
Part I Theoretical Approach, Studies and Researches, Vol. 24, 2003, Graduate
School in Concrete Structures Fratelli Pesenti, Politecnico di Milano, Italy,
pp.153-187.

Krstek V., Vojtech P. and Pilhofer H-W (2001), Creep and Shrinkage Prediction
on the Web, Concrete International, January 2001, pp. 8-9.

Mola F (1993), The Reduced Relaxation Function Method: an Innovative
Approach to Creep Analysis of non Homogeneous Structures, Int. Conf. on
Concrete and Structures, Hong Kong, 1993.

Mller H.S. (1993), Considerations on the Development of a Database on Creep
and Shrinkage Tests, Proceedings of Fifth Int. RILEM Symposium Creep and
Shrinkage of Concrete, Z. P. Bazant and I. Carol eds., Spon, pp. 859-72.













18

Fig. 1 CEB MC90 model: compliance function J(t,t
0
).


Fig. 2 B3 model: compliance function J(t,t
0
).


Fig. 3 GL2000 model: compliance function J(t,t
0
).
19

Fig. 4 CEB MC90 model: relaxation function R(t,t
0
).


Fig. 5 B3 model: relaxation function R(t,t
0
).


Fig. 6 GL2000 model: relaxation function R(t,t
0
).

20

Fig. 7 CEB MC90 model: redistribution function (t,t
0
, t
1
) for t
0
= 7days.


Fig. 8 B3 model: redistribution function (t,t
0
, t
1
) for t
0
= 7days.


Fig. 9 GL2000 model: redistribution function (t,t
0
, t
1
) for t
0
= 7days.

21

Fig. 10 CEB MC90 model: redistribution function (t,t
0
, t
1
) for t
0
= 28days.


Fig. 11 B3 model: redistribution function (t,t
0
, t
1
) for t
0
= 28days.


Fig. 12 GL2000 model: redistribution function (t,t
0
, t
1
) for t
0
= 28days.