Comparison of Different Curing Methods for High-Performance Concrete and the Effects on Strength and Durability

Jonsson, J. A., Olek, J., Leeman, M. E., and Nantung, T., 2003, “Comparison of Different Curing Methods for High-Performance Concrete and the Effects on Strength and Durability,” 3rd International Symposium on High Performance Concrete, Proceedings of Symposium in Orlando, Florida, October 19-22, 2003, Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute, Chicago, CD-ROM, 10 pp.

ABSTRACT
As a part of a larger study, the effects of different humidity and temperature conditions during curing of high-performance concrete on compressive strength and selective durability properties were compared. Cylinders from three highperformance concrete mixtures and a control mixture were prepared. The cylinders from each mixture were divided into four groups. The following curing conditions were evaluated: standard moist curing, moist curing for three days followed by curing at 50 % relative humidity, temperature-match-curing for the first day followed by moist curing, and curing in sealed plastic molds. Results from compressive strength and electrical indication of concrete's ability to resist chloride ion penetration tests indicate that curing concrete at 50 % relative humidity compromises compressive strength development and resistance to chloride ion penetration. Curing the specimens in sealed forms from the time they were cast until they were tested yielded results that were comparable to those obtained from continuously moist cured specimens. Accelerated curing of specimens for electrical indication of concrete's ability to resist chloride ion penetration appeared to be a valid method for obtaining 28-day results that are comparable to those obtained after 91 days.

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