On effect of superplasticizers and mineral additives on shrinkage of hardened cement paste and concrete

Abstract

A model describing the variation in autogenous shrinkage and drying shrinkage of portland cement concrete, depending on the volume of aggregates and the shrinkage of hardened cement paste, is presented. The equation to calculate shrinkage of concrete as a function of the volume of aggregates and shrinkage of a hardened cement paste was proposed. Formulas are proposed that describe the change in the shrinkage of hardened cement paste as a function of water/cement. The results of studies of the effect of superplasticizers and mineral additives on the autogenous shrinkage and the drying shrinkage of hardened cement paste are presented. Concretes made with superplasticizer and mineral additive may have the potential lower the value of drying shrinkage. The shrinkage value can be lowered from 30% till 70%. Concretes containing superplasticizers and mineral additives can potentially have the autogenous shrinkage reduced to 75%, or increased to 180%.