Title:
Extending Joint Spacing with Shrinkage Compensating Concrete
Author(s):
Edwin McLean and Seth Roswurm
Publication:
Symposium Paper
Volume:
307
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
1-22
Keywords:
Crack control, drying shrinkage, joint spacing, shrinkage compensating concrete
DOI:
10.14359/51688878
Date:
3/1/2016
Abstract:
Owners, engineers, and contractors have been forced to contend with drying shrinkage for as long as portland
cement has been used in slabs-on-ground, containment structures, and other concrete elements. The resulting cracks
and warping have long-lasting impacts on both the performance of the concrete and the lifetime maintenance cost.
Various construction methods have historically been used to mitigate this issue including modified mix designs, curing compounds, joint detailing, and transfer devices to reduce warping (curling). With advances in type K shrinkage compensating cement technology, however, designers and contractors now have access to a concrete that can eliminate shrinkage cracks, extend joint spacing to extremes, vastly reduce costly joint construction, and shorten construction schedules. This solution reduces not only construction costs but also maintenance costs on the structure for years to come. Shrinkage compensating concrete (SCC) produced using ASTM C845 Type K cement has been used in floors, elevated building decks, bridge decks, post-tensioned concrete, and containment structures since the mid 1960’s. Today, Type K SCC cement technology is even better understood, making way for higher performing concrete elements.