Assessment of factors influencing the development of drying shrinkage in concretes produced in Cuba

Abstract

Cracking of concrete elements resulting from drying shrinkage is a phenomenon that affects a large number of structures built with this material worldwide. As a consequence, the buildings are not only affected aesthetically, but also structurally, since cracking patterns, in addition to affecting the element initial stiffness, acts as a pathway for atmospheric agents, contributing to the development of corrosion in reinforcing steel and, consequently, affects durability. This paper presents a characterization of the processes of development of strainsdue to the shrinkage in a set of representative samples of Cuban concretes. An evaluation of influencing factors in development of shrinkage processes, as well as effectiveness of different mitigation strategies, are considered. Results prove the relevance of the formation and composition of the microstructure and the coarse aggregate influence in shrinkage development. Effectiveness of tensile-activeshrinkage reducing additives is assessed, among other solutions, resulting in the most effective mitigation strategy.