Title:
Plastic Shrinkage in Hot and Arid Environments
Author(s):
Abdulrahman M. Alhozaimy and Abdulaziz I. Al-Negheimish
Publication:
Concrete International
Volume:
31
Issue:
9
Appears on pages(s):
26-32
Keywords:
cracking, water-reducing and retarding admixtures, temperature, setting
DOI:
Date:
9/1/2009
Abstract:
Tests have verified that using water-reducing and retarding (WRR) admixtures and controlling concrete temperatures can mitigate the harmful effects of the Arabian Peninsula’s hot and arid climate on concrete compressive strength. WRR admixtures have also been shown, however, to increase the risk of plastic shrinkage cracking in similar climates. Concrete slab specimens were constructed using five different concrete mixtures, with different temperatures and dosages of WRR admixture. Some of the specimens were placed outdoors. Others were placed indoors. Indoor specimens were subjected to moving air or static air. Specimens were monitored to establish cracking time, crack width, and crack length. Concrete was monitored to establish setting time. Cracking is evaluated in respect to concrete temperature, admixture dosage, setting time, and exposure conditions.