Effect of curing methods on strength and durability of concrete under hot weather conditions

This paper reports the results of a research study conducted to evaluate the effect of curing methods on the mechanical properties of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) and Silica Fume Cement (SFC) concretes. Slab and beam specimens were prepared and cured by covering them with wet burlap or applying a curing compound under field conditions. Four types of curing compounds, namely water-, acrylic-, and bitumen-based and coal tar epoxy, were applied on the concrete specimens. The curing compounds were applied immediately after casting or after an initial period of burlap curing. The effect of the selected curing regime on the properties of OPC and SFC concrete specimens was evaluated by measuring compressive strength, water-absorption and chloride permeability. The strength and durability characteristics of both OPC and SFC concrete specimens cured by applying the selected curing compounds were similar or better than that of concrete specimens cured by covering with wet burlap. Though no significant change in strength could be noted due to the curing methodology; however, its effect was noticeable on the durability. The best performance was shown by concrete specimens cured by applying the bitumen-based curing compound followed by those cured by applying coal tar epoxy, acrylic-based or water-based curing compound. The initial period of water curing, prior to the application of the curing compound, was also noted to be beneficial in increasing the durability of concrete.