In the first hours after extrusion 3D-printed concrete elements are exposed to the increased risk of cracking due to plastic shrinkage. Ability to control and mitigate plastic shrinkage and related cracking is significant challenge along the way to wide application of the 3D-printing technology in the construction praxis. While plastic shrinkage can compromise economic viability and structural stability of the printed elements, until now only few studies were dedicated to this issue. The article at hand analyses applicability of different setups for quantification of plastic shrinkage and related cracking. Suggested approach enables to determine shrinkage induced deformations along with evolution of the material properties.