Effect of Different Curing Regimes on Shrinkage and Strength Properties of Self-Consolidating Mortars Containing Silica Fume in Different Contents

Abstract

The aim of this research is to study the effect of different curing regimes on shrinkage and strength properties of self-consolidating mortars (SCM) containing silica fume in different contents. Self-consolidating mortars, as new technology products, are especially preferred for use in architectural elements and the rehabilitation and repair of reinforced concrete structures. SCM can be used in precast architectural elements or cast in place repair of reinforced concrete structures. Therefore, investigation on the effects of different curing methods on key properties of SCMs can be beneficial. The shrinkage and strength properties of SCMs produced at different replacement ratios of silica fume (SF) with cement in different curing regimes were studied, at this paper. SCM mixes were prepared in constant water/powder ratio and cured in four different regimes including water curing (WC), accelerated water curing (AWC), air curing (AC) and aluminum tape sealing (AS). A polycarboxylate-based superplasticizer (SP) was added to the mixtures at different rates by mass of the cementitious materials to have appropriate flowability. Fresh mortars workability was determined using mini slump flow and mini V-funnel tests. All SCM specimens were tested and evaluated for compressive strength, flexural strength and shrinkage. It has been found that different curing regimes have considerable effects on both shrinkage and strength properties of SCM. It can be concluded that aluminum tape sealing and accelerated water curing can be used as effective and successful curing methods particularly where the SCM is used as a repair material or in architectural elements, respectively.