Title: Effectiveness of Shrinkage-Reducing Admixtures on Different Concrete Mixtures

Author(s): A. B. Ribeiro, A. Carrajola, and A. Goncalves

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 217

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 299-311

Keywords: chemical admixtures; concrete strength; cracking; shrinkage; shrinkage-reduction admixtures

DOI: 10.14359/12921

Date: 9/1/2003

Abstract:
The shrinkage of concrete originates stresses on restrained structural elements, which can cause cracks. In some cases, for instance to reduce the number of structural joints, it is important to decrease drying shrinkage by the use of a shrinkage reduction admixture (SRA). The effectiveness of a SRA depends on porosity and stiffness of concrete. In order to evaluate the performance of two SRA products, shrinkage tests have been done on concretes with and without SRA. Two different concrete mixtures were evaluated: a low strength concrete mixture (for housing purposes) and a medium strength concrete mixture (use in bridges). Results show the effectiveness of the SRA on the two reference concrete mixtures, with different W/C and different cement contents.