Cement shrinkage is one of the important internal causes of concrete cracks, mainly including dry shrinkage and thermal shrinkage.
Dry shrinkage cracks are caused by volume shrinkage due to water evaporation after concrete has hardened.
These cracks usually appear as surface microcracks, and although their depth is limited, long-term exposure to the external environment may lead to further structural degradation.
Thermal shrinkage cracks are closely related to the release of hydration heat inside concrete, especially in large volume concrete.
Uneven internal and external shrinkage caused by temperature differences can lead to the formation of cracks, which often occur in the early stages after construction.
If not controlled in a timely manner, they may evolve into more serious structural problems.
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