Use of wet cellulose to cure shotcrete repairs on bridge soffits. Part 1: Field trial and observations

摘要

This paper presents the results obtained from a research project that focused on investigating the feasibility of using cellulose fibers to cure bridge soffit repairs. The use of cellulose as a curing method involves spraying wet cellulose on the freshly applied shotcrete. By adhering to the shotcrete, the wet cellulose maintains the relative humidity within the shotcrete above the level required to sustain hydration of the cementing materials. Twelve 1000 mm X 1000 mm X 130 mm panels were prepared using two types of shotcrete materials and cured using either air curing, curing compound, misting and curing compound, or cellulose. The results showed that the cellulose could be applied to shotcrete in an overhead position and remained adhered to the shotcrete for 28 days. At the end of the curing period, the cellulose was easily removed from the shotcrete surface by means of a hand shovel. Cellulose-cured panels showed the least evidence of surface cracking. Also, the use of cellulose did not have any negative effects on the temperature of the shotcrete.