Title: Experiences on the Use of Expansive Component Type G in Mexico

Author(s): Alma Reyes

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 307

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 1-10

Keywords: Component Type G, control joint spacing, cracking reduction, drying shrinkage, durability, expansion, shrinkage control applications.

DOI: 10.14359/51688882

Date: 3/1/2016

Abstract:
Expansive component systems provide the possibility to control the effects of concrete drying shrinkage in civil engineering applications, promoting durability for new construction and repair alternatives. Drying shrinkage is a natural consequence of concrete upon water loss after hardening. When there are restrictions such as internal reinforcement, adjacent structural elements and subgrade friction, concrete drying shrinkage can lead to cracking if no provisions are considered on the mix design or on the construction procedure. Expansive component Type G reacts chemically with Portland cement and water in the concrete mix to produce calcium hydroxide platelet crystals, which after setting, produce a volume increase. Providing internal or external restrictions, a concrete, that contains an expansive component system, can induce compression stress in the concrete mass and tension stress in the reinforcement. Concrete cracking can be reduced because such induced compression stress counteracts the tensile stress in the concrete mass caused by drying shrinkage. This article comprises a variety of applications of concrete, including the expansive component Type G, in Mexico as a solution means of improved functionality and durability of modern construction.