How to Account for Shrinkage When Ordering Concrete

Shrinkage is a natural and inescapable property of the drying and curing process of concrete. As water inside the concrete mixture evaporates and the concrete cures, the overall mass of the poured concrete shrinks, resulting in surface cracks and sometimes even a reduction on the overall structural integrity of the concrete. While it is impossible to avoid shrinkage altogether, several steps can be taken to account for the damage it causes, particularly in the purchasing phase.

Instructions

- 1
  Look for shrinkage-reducing admixture concrete. This is a type of concrete that is designed to control surface shrinkage by reducing the surface tension of the concrete as it dries.
- 2
  Look for concrete designed to be mixed and poured in normal humidity and mild temperatures. Two of the biggest contributing factors to concrete shrinkage and cracking are pouring the concrete and allowing it to dry in low humidity and hot temperatures. Seek a brand and type of concrete that can be poured during normal humidity and mild weather without ill effects.
- 3
  Order materials for a roof and wind break along with your concrete. Another leading contributor to concrete shrinkage and cracking is the exposure of the drying and curing concrete to winds and direct sun. Erecting a roof over the top of the poured concrete and a wind barrier around the sides will go a long way in helping account for the natural shrinkage of concrete and in reducing surface cracks.

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