Title: Temperature Matched Curing Systems

Author(s): A. Williams

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 95

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 1-16

Keywords: age-strength relation; concretes; curing; hydration; portland cements; temperature; tests.

DOI: 10.14359/6269

Date: 10/1/1986

Abstract:
Early age concrete is subject to a temperature rise due to the hydration of the cement. Cube or cylinder reference specimens stored alongside a structure will not exhibit this temperature rise to the same degree and therefore will not have the same maturity as the concrete in the structure. Temperature matched curing is a method whereby cubes or cylinders of a similar maturity to the structure are produced, and is an extremely efficient method of determining minimum formwork striking and prestressing time. This paper gives a brief account of the history behind temperature matched curing in the United Kingdom, where the recent issue of a British Standard Institution document has focussed attention to the subject. Details are presented of the design and construction of a portable matching system for use on site. The system which is extremely robust, (but light enough to be carried by control cube temperatures to within -+, temperature within a structure. Results are given which show the advantages and disadvantages of such a system and illustrate the difference of maturity and hence strength between reference cubes stored in the curing bath and reference cubes placed next to the structure itself. one man), is able to 1oC of the concrete