Title: Report on Early-Age Cracking

Author(s): Will Hansen

Publication: Concrete International

Volume: 33

Issue: 3

Appears on pages(s): 48-51

Keywords: cracking, drying shrinkage, hydration reactions, test methods

DOI:

Date: 3/1/2011

Abstract:
ACI Committee 231, Properties of Concrete at Early Ages, defines “early age” as the period after final setting, during which properties are changing rapidly. For a typical Type I portland cement concrete moist cured at room temperature, this period is about 7 days; but it can extend beyond 7 days for other mixtures and curing conditions. Early-age volume changes induced by temperature change, hydration, and drying shrinkage can lead to cracking, and this can have lasting effects on strength, serviceability, and durability. The latest report from ACI Committee 231 discusses the measurement and mitigation of early-age cracking.