Preventing plastic shrinkage cracking by monitoring the capillary pressure build-up in self-compacting concrete

Abstract

Plastic shrinkage cracking is a problem for the service life, aesthetics and durability of concrete members. It occurs when tensile stresses are induced in fresh concrete, through plastic shrinkage that is restrained. Plastic shrinkage is caused by negative capillary pressure build-up, but the capillary pressure of fresh concrete can be controlled to prevent plastic shrinkage. In this paper, the control of capillary pressure to prevent plastic shrinkage cracking using high-capacity capillary pressure sensors is explored. The capillary pressure behaviour of a self-compacting concrete mix design in various evaporation rates was determined. Capillary pressure boundaries for concrete wetting to relieve tensile stresses were identified. The effectiveness of wetting fresh concrete at a predefined capillary pressure boundary was investigated.