Influence of Curing Conditions on Concrete Specimens at Construction Site

Abstract

This paper presents the effect of temperature on the compressive strength of concrete cylinders used for acceptance of concrete in the field. Cylinders were submitted to different curing regimes. Concrete and ambient temperatures were recorded during the curing period. Compressive strength of cylinders was tested at 7 days and 28 days. A microstructural study was also performed on selected samples. The curing conditions of sample cylinders were found to have a significant effect on compressive strength of the cylinders used for acceptance. This variation of compressive strength field reached up to 10 MPa, depending on the curing method. The capillary porosity of the hardened concrete was also found to be affected by high temperature. The first 2 hours of curing are of major importance to concrete compressive strength. Therefore, care must be taken in the curing and protection of sampled cylinders to minimize the effect of high ambient temperatures.