The effects of shrinkage-reducing admixtures used in self-compacting concrete on its strength and durability

As a result of the experimental program, it was concluded that the presence of SRA has adverse effects on the mechanical properties of SCC specimens although these effects are not dramatic regardless of the harshness of environmental exposure. The influence of SRA addition on fresh-state properties was also minimal so that the workability of reference and SRA-added SCC mixtures were found to be similar. Occurrence and further development of both drying and restrained shrinkage were substantially restricted with varying rates when SRA was incorporated in SCC mixtures. Overall, this study concludes that with a proper selection of SRA dosage, SCC mixtures performing well even under very hazardous environments can successfully be produced and be taken advantage of without sacrificing much of workability and/or mechanical properties and risking the occurrence and further development of shrinkage-originated cracking.