Title:
Effect of Cold Curing Water on Hot Concrete Flatwork: Field Study
Author(s):
Ronald Kozikowski and Kevin Rowswell
Publication:
Symposium Paper
Volume:
338
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
45-52
Keywords:
curing, cooling, cracking, slabs
DOI:
10.14359/51724726
Date:
3/1/2020
Abstract:
Several documents have indicated that applying curing water cooler than the concrete
surface by more than 20⁰ F (11⁰ C) can produce a strain of about 100 millionths, exceeding the
concrete’s strain capacity, and resulting in cracking. Earlier work by the senior author and others
has questioned the origin and applicability of the 100 millionths strain capacity for early-age
concrete. Tests on small-scale specimens demonstrated that using curing water as much as 55⁰ F (34⁰
C) cooler than the concrete surface did not result in crazing or cracking. This paper describes a
study in which cold curing water was used on a large concrete slab under field conditions.
Experimental results suggest that at least a 50°F (32°C) temperature difference between curing water
and a concrete slab can be withstood without causing surface crazing or cracking.