Effect of Curing Methods on Strength of Self-Compacting Concrete

Abstract

In this paper three different curing techniques with variation in compressive strength of medium strength, self-compacted concrete are discussed. To achieve the mix design of medium strength self-compacting concrete initially numbers of trials were carried out. Super plasticizer of 0.7% and an internal curing agent, Superabsorbent Polymer of 0.3% together to the weight of cement were added. Once the mix design was achieved, as per ASTM standard three batches of concrete cubes were casted. Slump flow test was carried out in order to determine workability of self-compacting concrete. Concrete cube cured in a curing tank in the laboratory was taken as first batch. The second batch was cured by the application of an internal curing compound. The third batch was cured by Gunny bag Method. Three cubes were tested for compressive strength, from every batch at 7 days, 28 days and 60 days age of concrete. The split tensile strength of concrete was also considered. Graphs were drawn with analyzed results. So it was concluded that to get improved strength and sustainability of self-compacted concrete in areas with shortage of water, curing compound found to be more effective.