Concrete Creep: How Material Choices Matter

Concrete creep depends on the materials in the mix, the load applied, and the curing environment. In normal-weight aggregate concrete, the hardened cement paste is the main part that creeps. The aggregates are stiffer than the cement paste, so they resist stress-induced deformation more effectively.

In concrete mixes, the hardened cement paste primarily contributes to creep, while the aggregates in the mix restrain creep.

Aggregates with a high modulus of elasticity, being stiffer, reduce creep. Hence, the greater their volume in the concrete, the lower the creep.

Creep linearly increases with the stress applied within design ...