Investigations on Self-Curing Concrete using Polyethylene Glycol

Abstract

Curing is the name given to the procedure used for promoting the hydration of the cement and consist a control of temperature and moisture movement from the concrete. Curing allows continuous hydration of cement and consequently continuous gain in the strength, once curing stops strength gain of the concrete also stops. Proper moisture conditions are critical because the hydration of the cement virtually ceases when the relative humidity within the capillaries drops below 80%. Proper curing of concrete structures is important to meet performance and durability requirements. In conventional curing this is achieved by external curing applied after mixing, placing and finishing. Self-curing or internal curing is a technique that can be used to provide additional moisture in concrete for more effective hydration of cement and reduced self-desiccation. When concrete is exposed to the environment evaporation of water takes place and loss of moisture will reduce the initial water cement ratio which will result in the incomplete hydration of the cement and hence lowering the quality of the concrete. An experimental study carried out an investigate the use of water-soluble polyethylene glycol as self-curing agent. In this study compressive, tensile and flexural strength of self-curing concrete for 7 and 28 days is found out and compared with conventional concrete of similar mix design.