Drying, Shrinkage, and Cracking of Cementitious Materials

Concrete is a heterogeneous, reactive, viscoelastic material whose shrinkage during drying often results in cracking that compromises its durability. This paper reviews the principles of shrinkage and stress development during drying of cement paste and concrete, taking particular account of the changes in microstructure as the cement hydrates, which profoundly influence the transport and mechanical properties of the body.