Implementing capillary pressure control measures to prevent plastic shrinkage cracking in concrete
Renier Christiaan Deysel, William P. Boshoff, Martha S. Smit
Abstract
Plastic shrinkage cracking occurs when fresh concrete is drying and restrained from deformation, which typically results in cracking. The tensile stresses causing cracking result from the negative capillary pressure that develops in the drying concrete. This study developed a model that uses live in-situ capillary pressure measurements in fresh concrete to control the capillary pressure response to prevent plastic shrinkage cracking at any reasonable evaporation rate, making it a valuable tool for preventing plastic shrinkage cracking.
Topics & Concepts
CrackingShrinkageMaterials scienceCapillary actionComposite materialCapillary pressureUltimate tensile strengthDeformation (meteorology)PorosityPorous mediumConcrete Properties and BehaviorConcrete and Cement Materials ResearchInnovative concrete reinforcement materials