Shrinkage is a main cause of cracking. As concrete hardens and dries it shrinks. This is due to the evaporation of excess mixing water. ... This shrinkage causes forces in the concrete which literally pull the slab apart.

What causes concrete to crack while curing?

Curing is the act of helping maintain concrete moisture by preventing its rapid loss. If the concrete loses moisture from its surface too quickly it will shrink (faster than the concrete below the surface) causing a condition referred to as map cracking.

Is it normal for new cement to crack?

While cracking is very normal in freshly poured concrete, cracks usually become undetectable as the work settles. It's alarming to notice thin cracks forming in concrete when you just paid for the cost of a new driveway, concrete slab, walkway, or garage floor.