**6. Conclusions**

In this study, FD and FE formulations were created for solving the transient heat transfer equation and thermal stresses in a concrete element. The results of this study show that the approach that combines the FD and FE methods can be a useful and effective tool for predicting temperature evolution and thermally induced stresses in early-age concrete members with simple geometries. The FD model can analyze thermal behavior of a concrete placement covered with formwork or an insulation layer, thus it can help engineers/contractors control concrete temperature during construction.

#### **Acknowledgements**

This work is financially supported by the Ministry of Transport of Vietnam. Special thanks are given to Prof. H. L. Chen and Mr. G. Leon at West Virginia University (WVU) for their contributions to this study.
