Title:
Curing With Shrinkage-Reducing Admixtures
Author(s):
Dale P. Bentz
Publication:
Concrete International
Volume:
27
Issue:
10
Appears on pages(s):
55-60
Keywords:
autogenous shrinkage; curing; drying shrinkage; evaporation; shrinkage-reducing admixture; surface tension
DOI:
Date:
10/1/2005
Abstract:
Currently, shrinkage-reducing admixtures (SRAs) are marketed by numerous chemical admixture companies for reducing drying shrinkage (and its associated cracking) in concrete. In addition, the reduction in surface tension produced by most SRAs can also potentially reduce autogenous shrinkage in low water-binder ratio concretes and evaporative water loss during early age curing. In this article, a consistent theoretical basis for these reductions is presented, along with results of tests on small-scale specimens, showing the potential for using shrinkage-reducing admixtures as curing agents.