Civil Engineering Association

Autogenous deformation of concrete is the free deformation of sealed concrete at a constant temperature. A number of observed problems with early-age cracking of high-performance concrete can be attributed to this phenomenon.

During the last 10 years, this has led to an increased focus on autogenous deformation within both concrete practice and concrete research. Since 1996, there has been enough interest to hold yearly international conferences devoted to this subject.

The papers in this publication were presented at two consecutive half-day sessions at the American Concrete Institute's Fall Convention in Phoenix, Arizona, October 2002. All papers were reviewed according to ACI procedures. This publication and the sessions were sponsored by ACI Committee 236, Material Science of Concrete.

The 12 presentations from eight different countries indicate the broad, global research efforts dealing with autogenous deformation, and the well-attended - of up to 90 people - show that this interest is shared by the general concrete community. Attendees left with an understanding of the complexity of the autogenous deformation of concrete. The sessions showed that cooperation and more research are needed.

At the ACI 2002 Fall Convention, the international materials research organization, RILEM, took steps to promote further research and cooperation within this area. Two technical committees held initial meetings with the involvement of many ACI members. More collaborative research will be carried out.