Autogenous shrinkage of alkali-activated slag

A critical review

Review (2023)
Author(s)

Zhenming Li (TU Delft - Civil Engineering & Geosciences, University of Sheffield)

Yun Chen (South China University of Technology, TU Delft - Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science)

John L. Provis (University of Sheffield)

Özlem Cizer (Katholieke Universiteit Leuven)

Guang Ye (TU Delft - Civil Engineering & Geosciences)

Research Group
Materials and Environment
DOI related publication
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2023.107244 Final published version
More Info
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Publication Year
2023
Language
English
Research Group
Materials and Environment
Journal title
Cement and Concrete Research
Volume number
172
Article number
107244
Page Views
488
Collections
Institutional Repository
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Abstract

This paper provides a critical review on autogenous shrinkage of alkali-activated slag (AAS). It is reported that AAS paste, mortar, and concrete generally show larger autogenous shrinkage than Portland cement (PC) counterparts. Self-desiccation is the main driving force of the autogenous shrinkage of hardened AAS, but other mechanisms also play roles, particularly at early age. Existing models developed for PC do not give satisfactory estimations of the autogenous shrinkage of AAS, unless the pronounced viscoelasticity of AAS is considered. The susceptibility of AAS concrete to extensive cracking is not necessarily high due to the effects of stress relaxation, but local creep can exacerbate the development of microcracks. Various strategies have been proposed to mitigate the autogenous shrinkage of AAS, but many exhibit side effects, e.g., strength reduction. Existing testing methods for autogenous shrinkage of PC seem applicable to AAS, but the starting time and test duration need to be reconsidered.