Déformations générées dans les bétons sous l'influence des conditions climatiques

This paper presents the results of an experimental study of strains generated in concrete by variations in climatic conditions. Three 0.16 m3 concrete blocks, instrumented with vibrating wires strain gauges, were exposed to various environmental conditions (drying–wetting) during approximately 3 years and strains were measured. The study shows that concrete strains induced by environmental agents acting alone can reach levels that may jeopardize the structural integrity of concrete structures exposed to similar conditions, when the boundary conditions cannot accommodate the resulting extensive volume changes. Key words: environmental conditions, relative humidity, temperature, drying, wetting, vibrating wires strain gauge, concrete strains.