Abstract: 

Note: SP-256 is out of print. However, the individual papers are available as .pdf downloads. Please click on the following link to view the papers available:

Editors: Benjamin J. Mohr, Dale P. Bentz

Co-sponsored by ACI Committees 236, Material Science of Concrete, and 231, Properties of Concrete at Early Ages

In the absence of adequate curing, early-age self-desiccation and consequent autogenous shrinkage may be problematic, particularly in concretes with a low water-to-cementitious material ratio. In 2003, a Federal Highway Administration survey regarding the most common distresses in high-performance concrete estimated that up to 60% of bridge decks have experienced early-age cracking, most likely due to autogenous shrinkage. Internal curing has been proposed as a potential technique to mitigate autogenous shrinkage and earlyage cracking. Internal curing is accomplished by the incorporation of water-absorptive materials in low permeability (that is, high performance) concretes, where external curing may not be sufficient to maintain saturation of the concrete member. Within the past decade, internal curing techniques have begun to move from laboratory research to field applications, with tremendous success.

The papers contained in this publication were presented at the Fall 2007 American Concrete Institute Convention in Fajardo, Puerto Rico. The two half-day technical sessions brought together engineers and material scientists from around the world to discuss laboratory research, case studies, and practical applications related to internal curing of high-performance concretes. This publication, co-sponsored by ACI Committees 236, Material Science of Concrete, and 231, Properties of Concrete at Early Ages, offers a unique state-of-the-art perspective regarding this evolving topic.

Note: The individual papers are also available as .pdf downloads. Please click on the following link to view the papers available, or call 248.848.3800 to order.

VIEW THE PAPERS

Contents: SP-256—1

Autogenous Control of Autogenous Shrinkage

by A. Durán-Herrera, N. Petrov, O. Bonneau, K. Khayat, and P.-C. Aïtcin

SP-256—2

Internal Curing Study with Intermediate Lightweight Aggregate

by W.A. Pyc, M.A. Caldarone, D. Broton, and D. Reeves

SP-256—3

Pre-soaked Lightweight Fine Aggregates as Additives for Internal Curing in Concrete

by Y. Wei and W. Hansen

SP-256—4

Internal Curing—Real World Ready Mix Production and Applications: A Practical Approach to Lightweight Modified Concrete

by V.H. Villarreal

SP-256—5

The Influence of Internal Curing on Basic Creep and Autogenous Shrinkage

by M. Lopez, L.F. Kahn, and K.E. Kurtis

SP-256—6

Internal Curing of Concrete Paving: Laboratory and Field Experience

by T. Friggle and D. Reeves

SP-256—7

Internal Curing and Microstructure of High-Performance Mortars

by D.P. Bentz and P.E. Stutzman

SP-256—8

Evaluating High Absorptive Materials to Improve Internal Curing of Concrete

by N. Delatte, D. Crowl, E. Mack, and J. Cleary

SP-256—9

Effect of Blended Cements on Effectiveness of Internal Curing of HPC

by D. Cusson