Shrinkage-Reducing Admixture: Effects on Durability of High-Strength Concrete

Shrinkage-reducing admixture (SRA) is a mitigation strategy against autogenous shrinkage in high-strength concrete (HSC). It acts by reducing the surface tension of the fluid in the pore system of the cement paste. An experimental program was carried out to investigate the influence of SRA on concrete durability, as few studies about this subject have been developed. Its effectiveness in reducing autogenous shrinkage and its influence on compressive strength were also evaluated. The results showed a substantial reduction of autogenous shrinkage due to the presence of the SRA, with a slight reduction on compressive strength (up to 5%). Overall, concrete durability. under the action of aggressive agents (such as water, CO2, and chloride ingress) was not influenced by SRA, as verified in the results of chloride penetration, natural carbonation, water permeability, capillary absorption of water, and absorption of water tests.