scope:

PREFACE 

Correct design of concrete structural systems requires consideration of serviceability requirements, as determined by crack-control measures. Higherstrength reinforcement, higher-strength concrete, more slender concrete elements, use of a host of admixtures, and emerging construction techniques have increased the need for serious consideration of crack mitigation and crack control in concrete structural systems.

This volume is derived from a national symposium of the American Concrete Institute sponsored by AC1 Committee 224, Cracking. The majority of the papers were presented in two highly attended technical sessions in San Diego, CA, entitled "Design and Construction Practices to Mitigate Cracking." The first session was chaired by Edward G. Nawy, and the second session was jointly chaired by Grant T. Halverson and Harvey H. Haynes. The topics in this volume encompass a wide range of subjects, including a detailed summary of worldwide provisions for crack control in reinforced and prestressed concrete beams; twoway slabs and circular tanks, together with the latest Eurocode provisions, including design examples; early-age thermal cracking; diagonal cracking, including seismically induced diagonal cracks; crack mitigation effects of shrinkage reducing admixtures fibers; repair of cracks; cracking in waterretaining structures; and an overview of the cracking developed in the 1999 earthquake in Turkey. This special publication also includes a list of references at the end of each paper, which can be helpful to design engineers and constructors.

All papers presented in this publication were reviewed by recognized experts in accordance with the AC1 review procedures. Each paper had a minimum of two reviewers. It is hoped that designers, constructors, and codifying bodies will be able to draw on the vast material presented in this volume along with the recently revised and updated AC1 224 committee report "Control of Cracking in Concrete Structures," in improving the long-term cracking behavior and performance of concrete-constructed facilities.