Title:
Calcium Sulfoaluminate (CSA) Cement Curing for Optimal Hydration and Property Development
Author(s):
Burris
Publication:
Web Session
Volume:
ws_S23_Burris.pdf
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
Keywords:
DOI:
Date:
4/2/2023
Abstract:
Wet curing improves OPC concrete durability and strength by increasing total hydration, densifying microstructure and decreasing concrete permeability. In general, wet curing is recommended for ordinary portland cement (OPC) concrete curing until it gains >70% of the designed compressive strength, typically at least 7 days. Calcium sulfoaluminate (CSA) cement may allow for decreased curing time requirements due to its rapid hydration, hardening, and strength gain. This study investigated a variety of curing durations and curing solution compositions to understand their effects on CSA hydration, strength development, and shrinkage. The results demonstrate that curing for 2 days promotes adequate strength gain and completion of hydration reactions and that CSA can be cured using similar methods as used for OPC, including application of fog or limewater. Additionally, curing CSA samples even for 1 day in 100% RH led to lower shrinkage than 7-day cured OPC samples, and may reduce cracking in concrete pavements.