Abstract
A new line of research to enhance the performance of concrete under adverse (harsh) and normal (air cured) curing conditions is presented. A crystallising hydrophobic admixture and curing agents were added to fresh concrete to improve its resistance against severe environmental conditions. A two-stage approach was pursued by adding the crystallising admixture to fresh concrete followed by curing agents, in a wax and liquid forms, in a separate application process, followed by exposing concrete to normal and adverse curing conditions. Results obtained suggests that protecting concrete with the crystallising admixture followed by applying wax based curing agent improves concrete strength and its resistance to water ingress than concrete cured with the liquid curing agent. When following the crystallising-wax treating system under adverse curing conditions, a more conserved strength was noticed compared to that produced by the crystallising-liquid system. Using the liquid curing agent in concrete with high water to cement ratio (w/c) has increased the cracks in the internal structure, while water permeability has decreased, either under normal curing conditions or adverse conditions. Following this protection-curing system in industry would resolve the problem of applying protection on wet surfaces and increase concrete’s resistance to deterioration. A microscopic study of the crystallising material was attained with a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) to check crystal growth with time.
Highlights
In the UK, there are more than 61,000 highways and bridges constructed in reinforcement concrete [1,2,3]
This paper investigates the early application of a crystallising material followed by a curing compound on fresh concrete and their influence on its properties under adverse curing conditions
The crystallising material KLD-1 was observed under the Scanning Electronic Microscope (SEM) with 500X and 5000X magnifications, to inspect the formation of the crystals and their development with time during a continuous 3 days
Summary
In the UK, there are more than 61,000 highways and bridges constructed in reinforcement concrete [1,2,3]. The inadequate performance of these commonly applied, high-build waterproofing systems on bridge decks, and their failure to effectively protect concrete drove researchers to look for some alternative treatments [2]. Solvent-based forms of these materials, which have a high level of organic solvents, have a negative effect on the environment and are subjected to restrictions [7,11].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
