CHEMICAL SHRINKAGE

Gravimetric Method


The gravimetric method applies Archimedes' principle to assess changes in the volume of hydrated cement paste. The paste, with excess water, is weighed in water or oil. The measured change in mass corresponds to the chemical shrinkage, divided by the density of the liquid used for weighing. The sample's mass is measured automatically at controlled intervals. Tests are conducted in water bath conditions at 20±2 °C, with the option to perform tests at controlled temperatures up to 36 °C. Below is a measurement example:


The influence of the water/cement ratio on the development of chemical shrinkage in cement pastes with Portland cement CEM I 42.5R.