Performance of self-curing concrete as affected by different curing regimes

摘要

In this study, polyethylene glycol (PEG) and polyacrylamide (PAM) have been used as self-curing agents to produce self-curing concrete (SC). Compressive strength, ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), bulk electrical resistivity, chloride ion penetrability, water permeability, and main microstructural characteristics were examined under different curing regimes, and compared to those of the control concrete mixture with no self-curing agents. One batch of a control mixture and one batch of a SC mixture were air-cured in the lab to act as non-water-cured samples. The water curing regimes for the control mixture included continuous water curing for 3, 7, and 28 days and periodical moist curing using wetted burlap for 3 and 7 days. Curing regimes for the SC mixtures included 3 days of water curing and periodical moist curing for 3 and 7 days. SC mixtures showed better microstructure development and durability performance than those of the air-cured control mixture. A short water curing period of 3 days significantly improved the performance of the SC mixtures similar to that of the control mixture that was water cured for 28 days. SC concrete represents a step towards sustainable construction due to its lower water demand needed for curing and hence can preserve the limited water resources in many parts of the world.