Early-age Thermal Crack Control | In Concrete Ciria C660

C660 introduced a more sophisticated—and practical—risk model. It shifted focus from absolute temperature to , not just stress. The feature’s core innovation is recognising that cracking happens when the developing tensile strain capacity of the young concrete is overtaken by the restrained thermal contraction during cooling.

Next time you see a hairline crack in a new foundation, ask: was that load, shrinkage… or a thermal differential that no one measured? early-age thermal crack control in concrete ciria c660

The practical takeaway? You can pour the same mix in two locations on the same site—one against existing rock (high restraint) and one on a slip membrane (low restraint)—and one cracks, the other doesn't. That’s not bad luck. That’s predictable physics. The most interesting feature of C660 is what it doesn't force you to do. It doesn't mandate cooling pipes, special cements, or post-cooling. Instead, it provides a validated path to waive thermal controls when the analysis shows they aren't needed. Next time you see a hairline crack in