Reducing shrinkage through admixtures and aggregate gradation

Abstract

A study was conducted into the impacts of shrinkage reducing admixtures (SRAs) and larger nominal maximum coarse aggregate sizes on the properties and performance of concrete mixtures. Bridge deck concrete mixtures with different dosages of SRA were prepared and tested. The influence of the SRA on fresh properties, compressive strength, electrical resistivity, mass change, and shrinkage strain is examined. Pavement concrete mixtures with a 1.5-in. nominal maximum coarse aggregate size were prepared and tested. The Tarantula Curve design method was used to vary the amount of coarse aggregate while keeping the amount of fine aggregate constant. The influence of the percent retained on the 1-in. sieve size on the workability performance, compressive strength, electrical resistivity, mass change, and shrinkage strain is examined.