Question

List the most important factors that affect drying shrinkage and creep, and discuss when the
effects are similar or opposite?

Answer 1

Most important factors that affect drying shrinkage and creep are:-

1.Water/cement ratio

2.Aggregate properties

3.Admixtures

4.Temperature

5.Relative humidity

6.Curing

7.Size of structure

1.Water cement ratio - creep and shrinkage both increases when w/c increaes.

2.Aggregate properties- creep increases when aggregate content is low and softer aggregate leads to higher shrinkage

3.Admixtures - some admixtures decreases creep while some increases it and mineral admixtures leads to more autogenous shrinkage but reduce drying shrinkage

4.Temperature - rise in temperature causes moisture loss so high creep and shrinkage.

5.Relative humidity - The higher the relative humidity lesser is the creep and shrinkage

6.Curing - curing keeps temperature down so less creep and shrinkage.

7.size of structure - Smaller the size more is creep and shrinkage but duration of shrinkage is longer for larger members.