Title:
Influence of mix proportions and Construction Operations on Plastic Shrinkage Cracking in Thin Slabs
Author(s):
Christos A. Shaeles and Kenneth C. Hover
Publication:
Materials Journal
Volume:
85
Issue:
6
Appears on pages(s):
495-504
Keywords:
concrete construction; concrete slabs; cracking (fracturing); drying; evaporation; finishing; hot weather construction; plastic shrinkage; mix proportioning; mortars (material); shrinkage; Materials Research
DOI:
10.14359/2242
Date:
11/1/1988
Abstract:
Plastic shrinkage cracking in mortar panels, simulating cracking in concrete slabs, was investigated using the procedure developed by Kraai. For the specific conditions of the testing program, the incidence of plastic shrinkage cracking increased with the paste volume fraction. It was also observed that the orientation and severity of the cracks were influenced more strongly by the other direction and speed of strike-off operations than for all other variables studied. While it is believed that some threshold evaporation rate is necessary to initiate cracking, for the tests conducted there was no direct correlation between the severity of the cracking and the rate of evaporation.