Title: Assessment of the Effectiveness of Curing on the Durability of Reinforced Concrete

Author(s): B. K. Marsh and M. A. Ali

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 145

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 1161-1176

Keywords: carbonation; compressive strength; concretes; corrosion; curing; deterioration; durability; exposure; performance; permeability; sorptivity; reinforced concrete; specifications; tests; Materials Research

DOI: 10.14359/4435

Date: 5/1/1994

Abstract:
Paper describes a number of research programs on assessment of the effectiveness of practical on-site curing techniques; in addition, it reviews the need for curing of structural concrete, for which carbon-induced corrosion of reinforcement is the most likely cause of deterioration. It is demonstrated that, while compressive strength of small specimens such as 11- or 150-mm cubes are sensitive to curing, the same has not been shown true in larger elements. Carbonation depths from 4-year exposure tests for a range of concrete types suggest that the influence of ambient conditions in a temperate climate may be greater than that of most curing methods, even when the concrete is sheltered from rainfall. Limitations on the validity of the use of small specimens and water storage to assess the effect of curing, or predict the performance of concrete, are discussed, together with the possibility of developing a suitable in situ test for curing effectiveness. It is concluded that, except in conditions of very dry air, little evidence was found of easily measurable curing effects on durability-related properties of formed surfaces, in temperate climates, for concretes made with normal portland cement in conditions where carbonation-induced corrosion is the most likely form of deterioration.