Cracking occurs when the tensile strain, arising from either restrained contraction or the strain differential within the concrete section, exceeds the tensile strain capacity of the concrete. Autogenous shrinkage also contributes to early contraction and drying shrinkage and annual temperature variations are added to early-age effects over the long term. Numerous factors influence the risk of early-age cracking.

This guide provides a method for estimating the magnitude of crack-inducing strain and the risk of cracking at both early-age and over the long term. Where cracking is predicted guidance is provided on the design of reinforcement to control crack widths. Measures are described to minimise the risk including selection of materials and mix design, planning pour sizes and construction sequence, the use of insulation to reduce thermal gradients, the use of movement joints, and cooling of the concrete either before placing or in situ.

The principal objective of the guide is to give a method for checking that the reinforcement provided will be sufficient to control early age cracking, while also being adequate for controlling cracks that may develop due to long-term deformations caused by temperature change and shrinkage.

• Learn about CIRIA's new guidance Control of cracking caused by restrained deformation in concrete (C766)  
• Hear presentations and case studies from the author team
• Network with industry colleagues and peers

Programme

09.00      Registration and refreshments

09.30      CIRIA Introduction, Alan Gilbertson

09.35      Chairs Introduction, Owen Brooker

09.45      Speaker presentations:

• Phil Bamforth, Independent consultant 
• Sarah Kaethner, Arup
• Derek Winsor, Mott MacDonald

10.40     Q and A

11.00     Close

Who should attend?
Reinforced concrete designers and specifiers, concrete technologists and structural engineers

Tuesday, 11 December 2018

09:30 – 11:00