IMPROVING OF LIGHTWEIGHT SELF- CURING CONCRETE PROPERTIES

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of self-curing agents on the mechanical properties of concrete. The self-curing agent is prewetted lightweight aggregate crushed over burnt clay bricks (COBCB). The COBCB has been used for replacement coarse aggregates in a ratios of 20%, 50% and 100 %. The mechanical properties were evaluated while the concrete specimens were subjected to different curing methods; conventional water curing, air curing regime (in the laboratory environment with 25°C) and chemical curing. The results show that, the use of self-curing agents COBCB in concrete with replacement ratio 20% by volume of coarse aggregates is effectively improved the mechanical properties in all cases of curing.