Effect of Temperature and Relative Humidity on Concrete Creep and Shrinkage

Concrete creep and shrinkage strain obtained in constant temperature and constant humidity rooms are different from those observed under actual conditions. Most creep and shrinkage strain prediction equations predict constant temperature and constant relative humidity. The effects of temperature history and relative humidity changes in the atmosphere are not considered in these equations. In this study, the effect of a change in atmosphere on creep and shrinkage strain is discussed. It is shown that concrete creep and shrinkage strain in actual ambient conditions are influenced by the concrete casting season. Creep and shrinkage strain of concrete cast in winter are much bigger than those of concrete cast in summer. The significance of considering the effect of environmental change on concrete creep and shrinkage strain is emphasized in this paper.