In This Section

Other Sources for Answers

Search other resources on the ACI website for answers to technical questions

Technical Questions

ACI Committees, Membership, and Staff have answered common questions on a variety of concrete related topics.



The effect of water-reducing admixtures on drying shrinkage

Q. What is the effect of water-reducing admixtures on drying shrinkage?

 

A. Very little. Although the use of water-reducing admixtures will permit a reduction in water content of the concrete mixture, it will usually not result in a decrease in drying shrinkage. Actually some of the admixtures may even increase the early shrinkage; although, later shrinkage will be about the same as that of comparable mixtures without the admixture (ACI 224R).

 

References: SP-1(02); E4-12; ACI 212.3R-16; SP-288; ACI 224R-01

Topics in Concrete: Admixture; Concrete Fundamentals; Durability; Shrinkage