ABSTRACT
Abstract Early age autogenous shrinkage measurements provide a challenge, due to the difficulty in making accurate measurements of the concrete prior to demoulding. The shrinkage must be measured immediately after casting in a mould which permits constant readings without disturbing the concrete. Within the first hours after casting, the concrete is the most sensitive to internal stresses. Even if cracks are internal and microscopic, drying at a later age will merely open the existing deformations and cause problems. This paper aims at demonstrating how capillary pressure induces concrete shrinkage at very early ages.
