In this paper the nature of drying shrinkage microcracking in a variety of model cementbased materials, as well as in more practical types of concrete is described. The model mixtures were studied to elucidate the mechanisms of drying shrinkage microcracking and the factors that influence these mechanisms. This fundamental knowledge is important for the development of microstructural models that predict concrete behaviour. The degree and evolution of drying shrinkage microcracking in concrete have been determined with an eye on the durability of drying concrete. It has been determined however, that under the given experimental conditions, drying shrinkage microcracking remained superficial and did not occur in the bulk of the dried concrete.