PLASTIC SHRINKAGE CRACKING

Bleed Water Evaporation Nomograph Formula

Air Temperature Concrete Temperature Relative Humidity Wind Velocity Evaporation Rate
deg C deg C % kph kg /m2/hr

26 26.4 52 30 1.10
1.098

Example: If * Air temperature = 27 deg C; Max allowable E = 1.0 kg/m2/hr

* Concrete temperature = 27 deg C; Take precautions at 0.5 kg/m2/hr
* Relative Humidity = 40% (e.g. apply aliphatic alcohol to
* Wind Velocity (Gnd Lvl) = 26 kph freshly screeded surface or
then Evaporation Rate = 1.2 kg/m2/hr (to 1 dec pl) construct wind breaks)
[ which is above Emax of 1.0 kg/m2/hr Note: Use smaller Emax values for
- thus plastic shrinkage cracking is highly probable ] higher grades of concrete (see Ref.)

Reference: "Plastic Shrinkage Cracking and Evaporation Formulas" by Paul Uno

- ACI Materials Journal July-August 1998 - pages 365-375
"Formulae for Predicting Plastic Shrinkage Cracking of Concrete" by Paul Uno
- CIA Biennial Conference May 1999 - pages 386-390
Bibliography "Standard Practice for Curing Concrete" - Part 2, ACI 308 Manual of Concrete Practice
"Curing of Concrete" - CIA Publication Z9 -1999
"Guide to Concrete Construction" - CCAA Publication T41 Section 12

www.cementandconcrete.com www.cementandconcrete.com