Title: Long Term Strength Development In Microwave Cured Concrete

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Publication: CIA

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Date: 2/13/2011

Abstract:
The implementation of new curing technologies requires sufficient confidence on the long-term performance of the material being cured. In recent years, CSIRO has developed new rapid curing processes for precast concrete based on the use of industrial microwave heating technologies. Extensive R&D has been carried out at both bench-top and pilot scale to control bulk heating of slab type elements. Compressive strengths sufficient for formwork removal and lifting can be obtained in less than 4 hours whilst strengths sufficient for pre-stressing are achieved in less than 6 hours. These significant gains in early age strength are not accompanied by any apparent loss in medium to long-term strength development. In this Paper, medium to long-term strength development of concretes subjected to standard, conventional heat and microwave curing are discussed.