Characterization of Conventional and Modern Curing Techniques in Concrete

Abstract

Appropriate curing of concrete is of vital importance in development of desired material properties in concrete namely compressive strength, durability, and dense uniform microstructure. Improper and intermittent curing is considered as one of the major reasons for concrete failures as evident in the form of cracks that consequently lead to durability issues of structures. An experimental program was designed to study the behavior of concrete under various conventional and modern curing techniques. Numerous cylindrical specimens were tested with different conventional and modern curing techniques to quantify their effects on curing of concrete. Microstructural and compressive strength development analyses at different ages were conducted to monitor the effect of curing methods. This work is helpful in establishing the best curing techniques for attainment of compressive strength and durability in concrete.