ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: Cement composites are one of the most durable materials, however, development of cracks adversely affects its durability and functionality. One of the greatest weaknesses of these materials is shrinkage and the formation of shrinkage cracks. This paper presents the results obtained in studying the effect of various doses of shrinkage reducing admixture (SRA) on properties of cement paste. A drying shrinkage, compressive strength, basic rheological properties (consistency) and density of prepared mixtures were measured in this study. The obtained results showed that shrinkage reduction due to the SRA products was rising with increasing dose of admixture without deterioration of workability.Also, there was not achieved significant impact of SRA on development of compressive strength of samples. These results give a good basis for use of the admixture to solve the problems of excessive shrinkage of concrete structures.
