How do I minimize cracking due to plastic and drying shrinkage?
The use of a properly designed concrete mix with carefully selected materials, as recommended by ACI Committee report 224 on cracking, will help minimize drying shrinkage cracking. Adequate jointing and proper curing will also serve to minimize drying shrinkage cracking. A new concrete admixture classified as a “shrinkage reducing admixture” can reduce drying shrinkage by up to 50%. See our section on Eclipse®. Protecting the concrete surface from drying before final set will help to prevent plastic shrinkage cracking. The use of polyproylene fibers such as Grace MicroFiberTM will give additional protection.
