Ways to reduce shrinkage of high strength concrete

The laboratory investigation on the autogenous and total shrinkage of high strength concrete, and the ways of its reduction, are presented. Such concretes demonstrate significant autogenous shrinkage, which should, however, be limited in the early stages of its development in order to prevent the occurrence of cracks. The following ways for reducing concrete shrinkage were investigated and analysed: the use of low-heat cement, steel fibres, pre-moistened polypropylene fibres, and pre-soaked lightweight aggregate. In the case of the use of pre-soaked natural lightweight aggregate, with a fraction from 2 to 4 mm, the shrinkage of 28-days old high strength concrete decreased by about 48%, with no change to the concrete's compressive strength in comparison with that of the reference concrete.

Author: D. Saje

Section: Concrete

Keywords: high strength concrete, autogenous shrinkage, drying shrinkage, fibres, lightweight aggregate