MORE | Spring 2022

Evaluation of Shrinkage Cracking in Slab-Wall Systems

Concrete develops strength rapidly after mixing and is highly influenced by temperature and the curing process. The material characteristics and the rate of property development, along with the exposure conditions, influence volume change mechanisms in concrete and the cracking propensity of the mixtures. This cracking tendency can be predicted by measuring the shrinkage in concrete. An autonomous shrinkage measuring instrument has been developed, which will be employed in the field to measure shrinkage in slab systems. The shrinkage cracking in the slab-wall system will be predicted through scaled models under constraints of temperature and humidity.