Plastic Shrinkage Cracking of Concrete

Abstract

SummaryPlastic shrinkage cracking, which occurs during the first several hours after the casting of concrete, is of considerable economic significance in the concrete construction industry. In this paper, the mechanism of plastic shrinkage cracking and its related phenomena of evaporation and bleeding are first reviewed. Then, together with tensile strength of early-age concrete, the concept of matric suction, its effect on plastic shrinkage and an empirical relationship for its estimation are discussed. Practical implications of the discussion are also highlighted.