Title: Mixture Proportioning for Internal Curing

Author(s): Dale P. Bentz, Pietro Lura, and John W. Roberts

Publication: Concrete International

Volume: 27

Issue: 2

Appears on pages(s): 35-40

Keywords: autogenous; hydration; strength development; shrinkage

DOI:

Date: 2/1/2005

Abstract:
In terminology currently being considered by ACI Committee 308, Curing Concrete, “internal curing refers to the process by which the hydration of cement occurs because of the availability of additional internal water that is not part of the mixing water.” The additional internal water is typically supplied by using relatively small amounts of saturated lightweight fine aggregates (LWA) or superabsorbent polymer (SAP) particles in the concrete. Benefits of internal curing include increased hydration and strength development, reduced autogenous shrinkage and cracking, reduced permeability, and increased durability.