Effect of Selected Curing Methods on Density and Compressive Strength of Concrete for Technological Self-Reliance

Abstract

The quest to deliver construction projects within the shortest possible time handled many engineers to maneuver curing ages of concrete and this has been a major concern in construction industries due to associated failures of concrete members emanating from improper curing. This study therefore aimed at investigating the effect of different curing methods on density and compressive strength of concrete with a view to enhancing technological self-reliance of the nation. Concrete cube specimens (150 mm × 150 mm × 150 mm) were cast using mix ratio 1:2:4 with 0.5 water-cement ratio. The concrete specimens were cured for 28 days using open air, ponding, sprinkling and dry covering curing methods. The compressive strength and density were evaluated. The data were validated. The results showed that the compressive strength increases with increasing curing age. The respective compressive strength values obtained for ponding, sprinkling, dry covering and open air curing methods were 22.04, 20.48, 17.28 and 16.02 respectively. The curing methods have compressive strengths in the order Ponding < sprinkling < dry covering < open air. The results of the curing methods on density were also noticed to be directly proportional to strength. Appropriate curing methods of concrete had greater impact in influencing physical and mechanical properties of concrete.Keywords: Concrete, Curing methods, Strength, Sustainable growth