what is shrinkage with concrete
Shrinkage. Definition: decrease in either length or volume of a material resulting from changes in moisture content or chemical changes.- ACI Concrete Terminology. Drying shrinkage is the contraction in the concrete caused by moisture loss from drying concrete. Shrinkage-compensating concrete is used to minimize cracking and structural movement caused by drying shrinkage in concrete. The amount of drying shrinkage that occurs in concrete structures depends on the constituent materials, mixture proportions, curing, drying environment, and restraint.