Title: Model Study of Shrinkage Cracking in Concrete Building Walls

Author(s): R. W. Carlson and T. J. Reading

Publication: Structural Journal

Volume: 85

Issue: 4

Appears on pages(s): 395-404

Keywords: concretes; cracking (fracturing); drying shrinkage; foundations; mortars (material); models; restraints; rubber; shrinkage; strains; stresses; temperature; walls; Structural Research

Date: 7/1/1988

Abstract:
Shrinkage cracking is a widespread problem in concrete building walls. The stresses and resulting cracking are a function of the shrinkage and degree of restraint, most commonly from the foundation. A technique was developed for determining shrinkage stresses using rubber models. The values were checked by observing crack patterns in mortar models. Remedial measures were tried, and some gave encouraging results. A new ring test for the crack resistance of concrete was tried and showed promise.