The volume shrinkage can conveniently be measured by a simple form of dilatometer in which the loss of water can be read simultaneously from a balance.
Drying cracks and warping, the two important drying faults can be attributed to non-uniform shrinkage due to uneven distribution of water in clay. This uneven distribution can arise from temperature differences even in the absence of drying. The drying behavior of clay also depends on the nature of the supports. Clays shrinks little on glass and metal, rather more on wood especially in the duration of the grain, strength also increases when shrinkage is high. Both shrinkage and strength are highest after drying and supports made up of sands or grog. Addition of salts of organic amines with long side chains has the effect of reducing the water content of plastic clay and reducing drying shrinkage. In the course of drying the texture of clay body undergoes extensive changes.
