On the Autogenous Shrinkage of Cement Pastes

Introduction: This study focuses on autogenous shrinkage in cement pastes and presents a novel calculation method considering variations in internal relative humidity (IRH). IRH significantly influences autogenous shrinkage, and its evolution is modeled based on decline curves. The proposed method accurately evaluates autogenous shrinkage and aligns well with experimental data. Additionally, we calculate capillary depression and meniscus radius using the Laplace–Kelvin equation. Methods: To address early autogenous shrinkage in construction materials, we developed our calculation method, emphasizing IRH variation. We analyzed decline curves to model IRH and validated our model using literature-based experimental data. Results: Our validated model for predicting IRH and autogenous shrinkage in Portland cement pastes, based on cement paste hydration degree, water-to-cement ratio (w/c), and the critical degree of hydration (αcr), closely aligns with experimental data and existing models.