Thermal stresses - slab on ground

[Gavin73]

Hi, I am looking at an external concrete slab on ground.
Can someone tell me what would be the likely thermal gradient through the slab depth?
Also is the thermal gradient generally a constant value or does it vary significantly with the slabs thickness?
Thanks in advance.

 

[TehMightyEngineer]

So, are you worried about differential heating through the thickness of the slab causing flexural stresses? I've never heard of someone considering this (in my admittedly limited experience). What's the application of the slab?

Maine EIT, Civil/Structural.

 

[racookpe1978]

What do you think a "thermal gradient" is?

I want to be sure what you think it is is what I think it is. 8<)

 

[Gavin73]

My understanding is that thermal stresses in a slab on ground are produced by a temperature difference between the surface and the underside (I have seen this referred to as a thermal gradient). Uniform heating through the section does not lead to tension in the steel as the coefficient of thermal expansion for steel and concrete are similar. Please correct me if I am wrong. Thanks again