Experimental Measurement, Modeling and Calculation of Volume Changes of Cement Concrete

The paper describes experimental measurement of volume changes of cement concrete. Volume changes include swelling and shrinkage of cement concrete specimens measured by string strain gauges both internal and external. Parallel to this measurement, the volume changes will be measured by means of shrinkage drains. The measurement of volume changes by the shrinkage drains is allowing continuous volume changes to be measured from the beginning of the setting of the concrete. It is possible to capture the entire process of hydration of concrete. The specimens are in the laboratory and in the outdoor environment, so it’s possible to compare values from different environments. The measured results are compared with the calculation models of shrinkage (Model B4 from Bažant [4]; Model Code 2010 [16] and ČSN EN 1992-1-1 [9]).