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On the Mitigation of Early Age Cracking

Published

Author(s)

Dale P. Bentz, M R. Geiker, O M. Jensen

Abstract

Potential means of limiting early age cracking ofconcrete structures have been investigated. Threedifferent methods of mitigating autogenous strainsand stresses in cement mortars (w/s=0.35, 8 % silica fume) are compared: 1.) reduction of thesurface tension of the pore solution via additionof a shrinkage reducing admixture, 2.) increaseof the internal water supply by replacement of aportion of the sand by saturated lightweight fineaggregate or the addition of superabsorbent polymer particles, and 3.) use of a slower reacting (coarser) silica fume. The effectiveness of each of these measures is presented, along with a basic physical explanation of cracking due to self-desiccation and autogenous shrinkage.
Citation
International Seminar on Self-Desiccation III

Keywords

autogenous shrinkage, building technology, cement, cracking, lightweight aggregate, mitigation, relative humidity, superabsorbent polymer

Citation

Bentz, D. , Geiker, M. and Jensen, O. (2002), On the Mitigation of Early Age Cracking, International Seminar on Self-Desiccation III, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=860739 (Accessed December 8, 2024)

Issues

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Created January 1, 2002, Updated February 19, 2017