Restrained shrinkage behavior of Self-Compacting Concrete containing ground-granulated blast-furnace slag

The restrained shrinkage cracking and relaxation behavior of Self Compacting Concrete (SCC) containing different proportions of ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) is studied. The effects of GGBS proportion, degree of restraint and curing regime are specifically addressed. The results show that GGBS improves the cracking resistance and relaxation behavior of SCC relative to control. Curing condition and degree of restraint play a significant role on the cracking and relaxation behavior of SCC. The results revealed that GGBS can replace cement by up to 70% and 50% for low and high degree of restraint, respectively, provided moist curing is adopted.