Shrinkage Behavior of High Strength Concrete (HSC) Subjected to Accelerated Curing

This research study investigated the shrinkage behavior of High Strength Concrete (HSC) subjected to accelerated curing. In addition, the effects of accelerated curing temperature, water-cementitious (w/cm) ratio, fly ash replacement up to 50% of cement content by weight and surface sealant were also studied. In the research study, shrinkage measurements were taken from 252 HSC specimens. These specimens were subjected to various accelerated curing temperatures, laboratory and moist cured conditions. Two w/cm ratios and three different fly ash replacement of cement levels were considered in this research study. Half of the specimens were sealed with a waterproofing concrete sealer to study the effect of sealer on the shrinkage behavior of HSC. Quality control (QC) cylinders of size 4-in. × 8-in. (100 × 200 mm) were also prepared along with the shrinkage specimens to verify the compressive strength and modulus of elasticity (MOE) of concrete. Early-age (1-day) and later-ages (56-day) compressive strength and MOE were measured from the QC cylinders for all mix designs studied. Results from the study were compared to five commonly used shrinkage models in the United States and Europe and conclusions were cited in terms of the models and variables investigated