Laboratory of Shrinkage Deformation and Cracking Potential

   The Laboratory of Shrinkage Deformation and Cracking Potential is a research and development facility that specializes in testing shrinkage deformations and crack susceptibility of cement composites in both the plastic and hardened states. It is located within the Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin.

We conduct scientific, research and development, as well as implementation research. Our laboratory utilizes standard methods according to European EN standards, American ASTM/AASHTO standards, and own methods. We employ cutting-edge, precise displacement measurement techniques, including photogrammetry, Linear Variable Differential Transformer (LVDT), digital dial gauges, laser sensors, and resistance strain gauges. Displacement measurements are recorded automatically at controlled time intervals. Testing is carried out in carefully regulated thermal and humidity conditions, utilizing equipment such as climate chambers, desiccators, refrigerators, and incubators.

Our research capabilities include:
  • Measurement of plastic shrinkage and susceptibility to cracking in the plastic state of concrete pastes, mortars, and mixes.
  • Measurement of autogenous shrinkage in pastes, mortars, and concretes.
  • Measurement of chemical shrinkage in cement pastes.
  • Measurement of drying shrinkage (as a part of total shrinkage) from the final setting time of pastes, mortars, and concretes.
  • Measurement of total shrinkage (as a result of both autogenous and drying shrinkage) from the setting time of new-generation pastes, mortars, and concretes.
  • Measurement of volume expansion in new-generation mineral binders and composites in aqueous or solution environments, with control and regulation of liquid temperature.
  • In addition, we conduct accompanying studies, such as
    - Setting time measurement of pastes, mortars, and concretes using penetrometers, ultrasound, and acoustic emission.
    - Measurement of the relative humidity of cement composites due to hydration using water activity probes.
    - Measurement of temperature in cement composites from the exothermic hydration reaction using PT-100 probes.
    - Measurement of pore pressure during plastic shrinkage development using digital pressure sensors.
Since 2012, the laboratory has continuously expanded with modern measurement equipment and proprietary technical solutions. During this time, we have conducted numerous original scientific and developmental studies for industrial partners. We are currently engaged in both national and international scientific and research projects and have undertaken projects, provided expert opinions, and performed repairs on structures affected by shrinkage deformations. Our experience from scientific and implementation work continues to deepen our knowledge in the field of materials engineering and concrete structures related to shrinkage deformations.

We invite you to explore our cooperation opportunities and contact us for further discussion.

The originator and scientific supervisor of the laboratory,
Adam Zieliński, PhD
Associate Professor