Integrated View of Shrinkage Deformation

Abstract

In common usage, the term shrinkage is a shorthand expression for drying shrinkage of hardened concrete exposed to air with a relative humidity of less than just under 100 percent. However, there exist several other types of shrinkage deformation in concrete which, depending on circumstances, may or may not occur simultaneously or be independent of one another. This article offers some practical suggestions for minimizing the often very harmful consequences of shrinkage of concrete, and also addresses high performance concrete (HPC).