Title: Effects of Variations in Curing Factors on the Strength of Autoclaved Concrete

Author(s): Clayton M. Crosier.

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 32

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 193-218

Keywords: autoclaving; cellular concretes; compressive strength; curing; density (mass/volume); fineness; fly ash; heating; modulus of elasticity; portland cements; pozzolans; pressure; presteaming period; research; temperature.

DOI: 10.14359/6606

Date: 7/1/1972

Abstract:
In connection with extensive laboratory investigations of auto-claved, foamed cellular concretes data have been secured on the effects of variations in the curing on the compressive strength and elasticity. The concretes were made of portland cement. Type I or III, with one of several Kansas pozzolanic materials, or with a fly ash used for comparison. In each of 53 laboratory batches, one curing factor was varied between the 2 or 3 sets of cylinders. This inves tigation covered the effects of each of the four curing variables (in order of extent of coverage): maximum autoclaving pressure, moist storage prior to autoclaving, duration of the maximum pressure, and rate of heating and cooling. The effects of each variable are found to be dependent on the properties of the pozzolan, especially fineness. For the proportions of volcanic ash used and the curing conditions studied, Type III cement was more effective than Type I, but for one fly ash the reverse was true. The analyses are discussed and tentative conclusions are summarized.