Regression models for compressive strength of concrete under different curing conditions

Abstract

Effect of different curing methods on the compressive strength of concrete was investigated. A total of 69 concrete cubes of size 150 mm was cast and cured under five different conditions (immersion in water, sprinkling with water, moist sand covering, polythene covering and air curing) for 3, 7, 14 and 28 days. At the expiration of curing ages, compressive strength was determined and regression analysis was conducted. The concrete cured with these techniques was equally subjected to water penetration test. The results showed that Polythene covering method produced concrete specimen with the highest compressive strength of 23.41 Nmm-2 followed by Immersion in water (22.86 Nmm-2). Regression models formulated for each condition indicated that the strength development was dependent on methods of curing. From the results, it was concluded that the compressive strength of concrete depends on the medium in which they were cured and there exist a positive correlation between the compressive strength of concrete and curing age.