shrinkage countering admixture

[wildehond]

We are looking to advise a client regarding a largish (10,000m2) slab on grade. While we have investigated a slab with saw-cut joints at regular (close) centers, the client has also had us investigate SFRC (steel fibre reinforced concrete). One of the contractors is proposing the use of a shrinkage countering admixture. Using this, they claim that they can eliminate (or nearly eliminate) all the shrinkage in the slab.

The company behind this is PrimeComposite. They have a very limited track record here in South Africa, but have, apparently had considerable success in Europe & the USA.

The concept is seductively attractive, but I'm needing to be substantially convinced that I'm not falling prey to good salesmanship rather than a sound product. Has anyone had experience of this? Thanks in advance

 

[TXStructural]

Shrinkage compensating concrete is a useful tool. In all cases, it should not be used as a substitute for proper curing. Without preparation and curing, there can still be curling of slabs due to differences between top and bottom of the slab - a chief cause of slab cracking away from joints. Make sure that the concrete mix proportions have been fully tested, since any amount of expansion will result in very poor results.