Effect of Self Curing Agents on Mechanical Properties of Concrete

Abstract

— Curing of concrete is the process involved in maintaining satisfactory moisture content and maintain favourable temperature for hydration in concrete so as to develop the desired properties of concrete. However, perfect curing is not always possible in all cases. Self-curing concrete is the type of concrete that can cure itself with its retained moisture content. It is prepared with the addition of certain chemicals as self curing agents. Earlier works conducted on self curing concrete have indicated that these types of concretes have better strength, reduces rate of evaporation from surface, thermal properties, fire resistance, skid-resistance property improves, reduction in autogenous shrinkage, reduced chloride ion penetrability, improvement in freezing and thawing durability as well as the contact zone between aggregate and cement matrix and reduction in micro-cracking which results in better elastic compatibility compared to conventionally cured concretes. In this research paper, the individual effect of curing agents like PEG 4000 & PVA on strength properties by varying the percentage of PEG4000 and PVA by weight of cement 1.0%, 2% and 3% were studied. The study shows that PEG4000 and PVA could help in gaining the strength of conventional curing. It was found that 1% of both PEG4000 and PVA by weight of cement was optimum for M30 grade concrete for achieving maximum strength without compromising workability. The test results showed that self curing concrete is best option in places where water scarcity exists.