Influence of Shrinkage-Reducing Admixtures on Development of Plastic Shrinkage Cracks

Cracking that forms between concrete placement and concrete setting is generally described as plastic shrinkage cracking. The authors discuss how concave menisci may form on fresh concrete surfaces due to water evaporation. Potential development of plastic shrinkage cracks may occur when concrete surface tensile stress and concrete settlement develop because of the menisci. The authors focus on how mortars containing a shrinkage-reducing...