Use of a New Approach (Design of Experiments Method) to Study Different Procedures to Avoid Plastic Shrinkage Cracking of Concrete in Hot Climates

Abstract

Hot climate concreting requires specific procedures in order to reduce the undesirable effects caused principally by excessive water evaporation from concrete surfaces, which induce plastic shrinkage cracking and thereby reduce durability. This research highlights the effectiveness of some of these measures: plastic sheets, curing agent, cold water and polypropylene fiber. The design of experiments method was used to reduce the number of tests and allow study of the effects of factors (or measures) and the interactions between these factors and the response parameters, which include plastic shrinkage cracks, evaporation rate, and strength. The most efficient way to minimize plastic shrinkage is to use a curing compound followed by the application of a plastic sheet cover; and the most efficient measure to decrease evaporation is the application of a plastic sheet cover.