The effect of specimen size and the number of exposed surfaces on the drying shrinkage of concrete
- Natsuki Ohashi (Institute of Science Tokyo, School of Environment and Society, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Tokyo, Japan)
- Carolina Melendez (University of Minho, ISISE, ARISE, Department of Civil Engineering, Guimarães, Portugal)
- Graça Vasconcelos (University of Minho, ISISE, ARISE, Department of Civil Engineering, Guimarães, Portugal)
- Miguel Azenha (University of Minho, ISISE, ARISE, Department of Civil Engineering, Guimarães, Portugal)
- Nobuhiro Chijiwa (Institute of Science Tokyo, School of Environment and Society, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Tokyo, Japan)
Abstract
Recently, unexpected deformations have been reported in concrete structures due to shrinkage and creep. These deformations have been attributed to non-uniform moisture conditions within the cross-section. Although current design specifications account for drying shrinkage using uniform coefficients, they do not reflect internal moisture variations. To address this limitation, this study experimentally investigates drying shrinkage behavior. Mortar specimens of two sizes were prepared, with four surfaces of each specimen sealed to simulate non-uniform moisture conditions. A specimen with two surface seals was also prepared for comparison. All specimens were placed in a controlled environment, and axial strains at both the surface and interior were measured. The results revealed differences in strain depending on measurement position, confirming that non-uniform shrinkage developed within a single cross-section.Keywords: Cement Material, Drying Shrinkage, Non-uniform Moisture State
How to Cite:
Ohashi, N., Melendez, C., Vasconcelos, G., Azenha, M. & Chijiwa, N., (2025) “The effect of specimen size and the number of exposed surfaces on the drying shrinkage of concrete”, UCL Open Environment 7(S1). doi: https://doi.org/10.14324/111.444/ucloe.icmb25.a25
Rights: Author, [2025]
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