Concrete undergoes volumetric changes after placement. This volume change is caused by the loss of moisture as the concrete begins to dry. Most all of the water loss occurs within the first 24 hours. Plastic Shrinkage occurs prior and during the initial set of the concrete. Before the concrete hardens, tensile stresses can be greater than the tensile strength of the fresh concrete. When this happens a crack is formed. MATRIX Blends are specifically designed with millions of synthetic fibers to prevent the formation of these plastic shrinkage cracks.

Restrained Shrinkage occurs after the concrete has set and accounts for most of the cracks found in concrete. When the concrete is restrained from moving tensile stresses develop. These stresses can be great and cause significant damage to the surface. To reduce the adverse effects of this cracking steel fibers are added to “The Blend”. The steel fibers help prevent macro cracks from forming in the concrete. They also significantly reduce the maximum crack width if a crack should form.