Autogenous deformation-induced stress evolution in cementitious materials considering viscoelastic properties: A review of experiments and models

Early-age cracking risk induced by autogenous deformation is high for cementitious materials of low water-binder ratios. The autogenous deformation, viscoelastic properties, and stress evolution are three important factors for understanding and quantifying the early-age cracking risk. This paper systematically reviewed the experimental and modelling techniques of the three factors. It is found that the Temperature Stress Testing Machine is a unified experimental method for all these three factors, with a strain-controlled mode for stress evolution, hourly-repeated loading scheme for viscoelastic properties, and free condition for autogenous deformation. Such unified method provides basis for developing various models. By coupling a hydration model for volume fractions of hydrates, a homogenization model for upscaling of viscoelastic properties, and capillary pressure theory for self-desiccation shrinkage, a unified model directly mapping the mix design to the early-age stress can be constructed, which can help optimize the mix design to reduce the early-age cracking risk. •By reviewing the experimental methods, it is found that the TSTM is the unified testing system for early-age cracking analysis.•The mechanisms of autogenous deformation and applicability of capillary pressure theory in constructing models are discussed.•Multiscale testing methods for viscoelasticity and corresponding upscaling modelling methods are discussed.•Testing and modelling methods for calculating the stress evolution induced by shrinkage and creep are discussed.