Title: Minimizing the Risk of Early Age Cracking Through the Use of Comprehensive Experimental Techniques

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Publication: CIA

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Date: 2/13/2011

Abstract:
The problem of early-age cracking in concrete has been increasing [1]. This paper discusses the issue of early-age cracking from three different perspectives. First, recently developed test methods will be reviewed that enable a material’s propensity for cracking to be assessed. Specifically, test procedures will be discussed that enable the free shrinkage to be quantified from the time of casting. In addition, the restrained ring test will be discussed as a test procedure that enables a quantitative assessment of the residual stresses that build in a concrete. Second, computational models will be discussed that enable the prediction of cracking potential. This would include the use one-dimensional models that take the statistical variability into account. Finally, this paper will discuss the use of new materials, namely shrinkage reducing admixtures that can substantially reduce the magnitude of early age shrinkage, enabling the reduction in the risk of cracking in concrete structures.