Prediction models for shrinkage of concrete: Overview, classification and comparison

In assessment of the future behavior of a designed concrete structure, the data on the time development of strains due to shrinkage of concrete is of particular importance. The selection of an appropriate prediction method and model for concrete shrinkage will affect the accuracy of the estimation, but also the duration and cost of the design. In order to facilitate this selection, this paper presents the fields of application, factors that are considered, the classification and the basic equations for four frequently used prediction models for shrinkage of concrete: ACI 209, GL 2000, MC 2010 and B4. The results obtained by application of these models on a few examples from literature are compared and discussed.