Title: Efficiency Comparison of Conventional and Unconventional Curing Methods in Concrete

Author(s): Wasim Khaliq and Waqas Javaid

Publication: Materials Journal

Volume: 114

Issue: 2

Appears on pages(s): 285-294

Keywords: compressive strength; durability; energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS); hydration products; internal curing; microstructure; scanning electron microscopy (SEM)

DOI: 10.14359/51689564

Date: 3/1/2017

Abstract:
Appropriate curing is important in the development of required compressive strength and durability properties in concrete. Conventional concrete practices require a selection of effective and cost-efficient curing techniques to achieve well-hydrated, uniform, and dense microstructure within available resources. An experimental program was designed to study the hydration of concrete under various conventional and unconventional curing techniques. Different curing techniques were investigated comprising water, burlap, liquid membrane-forming compound, combinations of admixtures, and liquid membrane-forming compound, admixtures, and burlap compared to ambient curing. Additionally, internal curing methods comprising prewetted lightweight aggregate (LWA), super-absorbent polymers (SAPs), and shrinkagereducing admixtures were investigated. Microstructural development related to compressive strength at different ages were considered to monitor the effect of various curing methods on microstructure and strength development in concrete. The findings are helpful in establishing the best curing techniques to obtain optimum strength and durability properties in concrete using available resources.