Abstract
This study aims to clarify the effect of self desiccation on volume change of cement paste at very early ages. Effect of self desiccation due to hydration was investigated in terms of water-binder ratios and volume change of cement paste. Chemical shrinkage ratio was used as an indicator of hydration reaction rate of the cement. The effect of chemical shrinkage (self desiccation) on macroscopic volume change at very early ages is evaluated qualitatively, based on the relationships between chemical shrinkage ratio and volume change, and between chemical shrinkage ratio and pore water pressure. Furthermore, mechanisms of the reduction in shrinkage by a shrinkage reducing agent and expansive additives were discussed. It was found that volume change of cement paste at very early ages is markedly influenced by self desiccation at low water-binder ratios.
