Title:
Concrete Q&A: Reinforcing Slabs-on-Ground to Control Restrained Shrinkage Cracking
Author(s):
Publication:
Concrete International
Volume:
47
Issue:
9
Appears on pages(s):
61-64
Keywords:
reinforcement, strain, stress, curling
DOI:
10.14359/51749147
Date:
9/1/2025
Abstract:
This month’s Q&A discusses the reinforcement stiffness ratio ρne that can be used for comparing the performance of various reinforcement types in slabs-on-ground and the design approach for glass fiber-reinforced polymer reinforcement in ACI/NEx MNL-6(23) based on percent reduction in unrestrained shrinkage strain from the enhanced aggregate interlock design of ACI PRC-360-10.
Related References:
1. Attiogbe, E.K., “Impact of Reinforcement Type on Control of Drying Shrinkage Cracking of Concrete Under Restraint,” Concrete International, V. 47, No. 5, May 2025, pp. 41-49.
2. ACI/NEx, “MNL-6(23): Recommended Practice Guidelines for FRP Bars in Pre-Engineered Projects,” American Concrete Institute, Farmington Hills, MI, 2023, 80 pp.
3. ACI Committee 360, “Guide to Design of Slabs-on-Ground (ACI PRC-360-10),” American Concrete Institute, Farmington Hills, MI, 2010, 72 pp.
4. Miltenberger, M.A., and Attiogbe, E.K., “Shrinkage-Based Analysis for Control-Joint Spacing in Slabs-on-Ground,” ACI Structural Journal, V. 99, No. 3, May-June 2002, pp. 352-359.
5. See, H.T.; Attiogbe, E.K.; and Miltenberger, M.A., “Shrinkage Cracking Characteristics of Concrete Using Ring Specimens,” ACI Materials Journal, V. 100, No. 3, May-June 2003, pp. 239-245.
6. Kolver, K.; Igarashi, S.; and Bentur, A., “Tensile Creep Behavior of High-Strength Concretes at Early Ages,” Materials and Structures, V. 32, No. 5, June 1999, pp. 383-387.
7. Gold, W.J., “A Rational Design Approach for Using GFRP Reinforcement for Slabs-on-Ground,” NEx Workshop: Design of GFRP-Reinforced Slabs-on-Ground and Paving, ACI Concrete Convention – Spring, Toronto, ON, Canada, Mar. 31, 2025.
8. Attiogbe, E.K., “A Procedure to Evaluate the Potential for Drying Shrinkage Cracking of Concrete Under Restraint,” Concrete International, V. 44, No. 8, Aug. 2022, pp. 29-33.
9. Park, R., and Paulay, T., Reinforced Concrete Structures, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York, 1975, pp. 457-461.
10. Barragan, B.E.; Mudadu, A.; Tiberti, G.; and Plizzari, G.A., “GFRP Reinforced Concrete Slabs Under Restrained Shrinkage,” Concrete International, V. 45, No. 7, July 2023, pp. 39-45.
11. Mudadu, A.; Tiberti, G.; Barragan, B.; Löber, P.; Friedemann, S.; Holschemacher, K.; and Plizzari, G.A., “Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete Jointless Slabs-on-Grade: A Real-Scale Experimental Study,” Engineering Structures, V. 304, Apr. 1, 2024, Article No. 117601.
12. Fasil, M.; Rahman, M.K.; Al-Zahrani, M.M.; Nanni, A.; Al-Osta, M.A.; Al-Ghamdi, S.A.; and Al Mehthel, M., “Long-Term Field Monitoring of Slabs-on-Ground Reinforced with GFRP Bars,” Construction and Building Materials, V. 404, Nov. 2023, Article No. 133259.
13. Bissonnette, B.; Attiogbe, E.K.; Miltenberger, M.A.; and Fortin, C., “Drying Shrinkage, Curling, and Joint Opening of Slabs-on-Ground,” ACI Materials Journal, V. 104, No. 3, May-June 2007, pp 259-267.
14. Fortin, C., “Curling and Strain Monitoring of Slabs Strips in a Laboratory Environment,” MSc thesis, Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada, 2005, 322 pp.