Influence of compressive strength and maturity conditions on shrinkage of ordinary concrete

Olga Szlachetka,Joanna Witkowska-Dobrev,Anna Cała,Marek Dohojda

doi:10.1177/16878140211024434

Olga Szlachetka, Joanna Witkowska-Dobrev + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1177/16878140211024434

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Abstract

The paper presents results of investigations of compressive strength and shrinkage of concrete samples made on the basis of the Portland cement CEM I 32.5R, after 2, 7, 14, 28, 90, and 365 days of maturation in four different maturation conditions. It was shown that after 28 days the samples cured according to the standard in the cuvettes with water achieved the highest compressive strength, although the early-age compressive strengths after 7 and 14 days were lower than those for the samples cured in building film and in dry conditions. A determined correlation between the compressive strength and shrinkage of the concrete proves that wet curing also allows a total elimination of the shrinkage in the first 28 days. Along with the growth of the compressive strength, the drying shrinkage reduces. Obtained results confirmed that the best way of concrete curing, among the analyzed methods, from the point of view of both compressive strength and volume changes is the wet curing.

Highlights

To achieve good and quality concrete, the characteristic compressive strength must be reached
This phenomenon is described by a general term ‘‘shrinkage’’ and it is evoked structural changes occurring in a cement grout of a concrete mix as a result of physical and chemical processes of water loss due to binding, hardening, maturing, and drying of the concrete
It means that volumetric changes in the concrete are the outcome of changes evoked by various reasons connected both to an internal structure of the concrete, physical, and chemical processes occurring there and influence of external environment

Summary

Introduction

To achieve good and quality concrete, the characteristic compressive strength must be reached. The samples stored in room conditions in the laboratory (D) were not subjected to changes of heat and humidity, the concrete hardening process could have been disturbed, negatively affecting the strength and evoking scratch development on the surface of the samples.

Results

Conclusion