A METHOD TO PREDICT SHRINKAGE CRACKING OF CONCRETE

A theoretical model based on nonlinear fracture mechanics is developed for predicting rr transverse cracking of concrete ring specimen due t o drying shrinkage. Using the measured material fracture parameters, f racture resistance curve (R-curve) of the ring specimen is determined. The maximum allowable tensile strain is then calculated based on ener gy balance during shrinking of the ring. Age at transverse cracking of the ring specimen dire to restrained drying shrinkage is predicted by equating the difference between the measured free shrinkage and the e stimated creep to the maximum allowable tensile strain. The predicted age at cracking is in reasonable agreement with the experimental measu rement.