A multiscale prediction model and simulation for autogenous shrinkage deformation of early-age cementitious materials

Autogenous shrinkage of cementitious materials is a key factor leading to early-age cracking of concrete. Based on the micromechanics, the underlying multiscale framework and capillary pressure theory, a multiscale model of autogenous shrinkage is presented for cementitious materials with a homogenization method. By comparing the predictive values from models with the experimental data in the literature, the HYMOSTRUC relative humidity model and Shimomura and Maekawa pore size distribution model are recommended for use in the proposed autogenous shrinkage multiscale model. Combined with the HYMOSTRUC chemical shrinkage model, the simulated results of the autogenous shrinkage multiscale model proposed in this paper match well with the experimental data in the literature and the predictive capability is successfully validated. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.