Capillary tension theory for prediction of early autogenous shrinkage of self-consolidating concrete

• We establish a prediction method of early autogenous shrinkage of self-consolidating concrete.
• The computational model of the autogenous shrinkage was determined by capillary tension theory and microstructure pore.
• We study the evolution laws of pores distribution of the self-consolidating concrete with various mix designs.
• The development of compressive strength and elastic modulus of self-consolidating concrete at various ages.

Based on the capillary tension theory and microstructure pore of concrete, a prediction method of early autogenous shrinkage of self-consolidating concrete (SCC) was established. Self-consolidating concrete (SCC) specimens with different strength grades were prepared. The physical and mechanical properties (autogenous shrinkage, Poisson’s ratio, modulus of elasticity and compressive strength) of SCC with different strength grades were tested at the age of 3, 7, and 28 days. The 3, 7 and 28 days pore distribution of capillary pores of SCC with different strength grades were also tested. Negative pressure of capillary and autogenous shrinkage were determined by means of capillary tension theory. Finally, based on the calculation results, a prediction method of early autogenous shrinkage of SCC was established. The results show that predicted values derived from this model matched very well with measured values.