Title: Effect of Curing on the Strength Development of Mortar Containing High Volumes of Fly Ash

Author(s): L. Vandewalle and f. Mortelmans

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 132

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 53-64

Keywords: compressive strength; curing; fly ash; mortars (material); tests; Materials Research

DOI: 10.14359/1948

Date: 5/1/1992

Abstract:
Adequate curing is essential for all concrete, whether it contains fly ash or not, if the potential properties of concrete are to be fully realized. However, since the long-term benefits associated with the pozzolanic reaction have become more evident in well-cured concrete, it has been generally considered that concrete containing fly ash has a greater susceptibility to poor curing than plain concrete. Tests were carried out at the Department of Civil Engineering of the K. U. Leuven on a series of mortar mixes with a range of fly ash-cement ratios to study the effect of curing on the strength development of mortar. Mortar specimens were subjected to a range of moist-curing periods prior to air-storage. Compressive strength was determined at various ages. The results confirm the importance of curing, with reductions in curing period resulting in lower strength. The strength of the mortar containing fly ash appears to be more sensitive to poor curing than the plain mortar.