Effect of Drying Shrinkage Cracks and Flexural Cracks on Concrete Bulk Permeability

Published

May 1, 2000

Author(s)

Kenneth A. Snyder

Abstract

A review of the computer program 4sight has revealed that an accurate prediction of water transport through the concrete depends upon an accurate prediction of the crack formation within the concrete. A model for predicting both the width and the spacing of flexural and drying shrinkage cracks is employed. The results are used to estimate the composite concrete permeability. A deterministic structural analysis is performed to demonstrate the procedure. The analysis is repeated using a Monte Carlo approach in order to assess the effects of input parameter variability.The principles outlined in this report will be incorporated into the 4sight computer program. The prediction of shrinkage and flexural crack width and crack spacing will allow the user to consider the effects of various concretemixture designs. The mean values reported will assist the user in determining which factors have the greatest effect on the expected crack width and crack spacing. The reported uncertainties will help the user assess the maximum statistical variation allowed for critical concrete mixture and structural design parameters.

Citation

NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR) - 6519

Report Number

6519

NIST Pub Series

NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR)

Pub Type

NIST Pubs

Download Paper

Local Download

Keywords

building technology, concrete, cracking, low, nuclear disposal, permeability, reinforced concrete, restrained

Citation

Snyder, K. (2000), Effect of Drying Shrinkage Cracks and Flexural Cracks on Concrete Bulk Permeability, NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=860273 (Accessed October 18, 2025)