Title: High Pressure Steam Curing Modern Practice, and Properties of Autoclaved Products

Author(s): ACI Committee 516

Publication: Journal Proceedings

Volume: 62

Issue: 8

Appears on pages(s): 869-908

Keywords: ACI committee report, asbestos-cement pipe, autoclaved products, block, compressive strength, lightweight concrete, manufacture, masonry, precast concrete, shrinkage, sand lime brick, steam curing, high pressure

Date: 8/1/1965

Abstract:
High pressure steam curing (autoclaving) is employed in the production of concrete masonry units, sand-lime brick, asbestoscement pipe, hydrous calcium silicate-asbestos heat insulation products, and lightweight cellular concrete. While all are covered, this report emphasizes concrete masonry units because they represent the greatest use of autoclaving in the United States and Canada, and most of the information available is in this field. The chief advantages offered by autoclaving are high early strength, reduced moisture volume change, increased chemical resistance, and reduced susceptibility to efflorescence. Many properties of concretes are improved by autoclaving, however, some, such as permeability and brittleness are not. The report presents a summary of modern practice and makes general comparisons of physical properties of autoclaved products.