Early-age thermal crack control

Early-age thermal cracking occurs when the tensile strain, arising from either
restrained thermal contraction or a temperature differential within the concrete
section, exceeds the tensile strain capacity of the concrete. Numerous factors
influence the risk of early-age cracking including the temperature rise, the
coefficient of thermal expansion of the concrete, the restraint to movement
offered either by adjacent elements or by differential strain within an element,
and the ability of the concrete to resist tensile strain.
CIRIA guide C766, Early-age thermal crack control in concrete (2018) which
supersedes CIRIA Report C660 (2007) and CIRIA R91 (1992) provides a
method for estimating the magnitude of crack-inducing strain and the risk of
cracking. Where cracking is predicted, guidance is provided on the design of
reinforcement to control crack widths in accordance with current European
Codes. For specific situations where cracking should be avoided, or where the
use of reinforcement to achieve acceptable crack widths is uneconomic or
impracticable, measures are described to minimise the risk.

Thoughts on C766 - Control of cracking

caused by restrained deformation in concrete
 Published on January 4, 2019

Ben Hickman MEng CSSW MCIOB

Technical Director, Structural Waterproofing Consultant, Expert Witness
4 articles Follow

The following article was just shared in the Property Care Association
weekly newsletter.
 CIRIA has just introduced a new guidance document C766 which addresses concrete
crack width. Shrinkage cracks are obviously an issue for Type B waterproofing and
may therefore be of interest to many in the PCA. Here’s my understanding and some
speculations as to possible implications for our industry...

Firstly, CIRIA guidance is not binding. The Eurocode (BS EN 1992 or EC2) will still
take precedent and EC2-3 is the most authoritative guidance on waterproof concrete
structures. Nevertheless, EC2-3 has well recognised issues regarding over stringent
requirements with very small crack widths and very arduous calculations on
reinforcement. The New CIRIA guidance C766 greatly relaxes the crack width
requirements for waterproof concrete structures and therefore the requirements for
reinforcement are reduced. This is especially relevant in deeper basements (2 storeys
or more). In addition C766 reduces the heat of hydration from GGBS (Ground
Granulated Blast-furnace Slag) meaning that use of GGBS in basement concrete will
further reduce the reinforcement requirements.

Possible implications for PCA members:

C776, like EC2-3, does not give any credence for waterproofing additives whatsoever.
Prior to C776 if an engineer wanted a watertight concrete basement structure, the
guidance from EC2-3 the stringent reinforcement requirements made achieving crack
widths unfeasible and consideration for waterproofing additives was an obvious
alternative. With the option to work to C766 guidance, engineers may find the required
crack widths far more achievable and this could potentially move some design teams
away from waterproofing additive options.

Another possible implication could be greater interest in GGBS for basement concrete.

Background

Cracking occurs when the tensile strain, arising from either restrained contraction or the
strain differential within the concrete section, exceeds the tensile strain capacity of the
concrete. Autogenous shrinkage also contributes to early contraction and drying
shrinkage and annual temperature variations are added to early-age effects over the
long term. Numerous factors influence the risk of early-age cracking.
This guide provides a method for estimating the magnitude of crack-inducing strain and
the risk of cracking at both early-age and over the long term. Where cracking is
predicted guidance is provided on the design of reinforcement to control crack widths.
Measures are described to minimise the risk including selection of materials and mix
design, planning pour sizes and construction sequence, the use of insulation to reduce
thermal gradients, the use of movement joints, and cooling of the concrete either before
placing or in situ.
The principal objective of the guide is to give a method for checking that the
reinforcement provided will be sufficient to control early age cracking, while also being
adequate for controlling cracks that may develop due to long-term deformations caused
by temperature change and shrinkage.