Influence of different surface curing materials on pavement concrete properties

Abstract

In order to identify the effect of surface curing treatment by ethyl silicate, silicon infiltration agent, and nano-SiO₂ on airport pavement concrete performance, the capillary water absorption, flame ablation, water penetration, frost and sulfide erosion properties of concrete treated with the three surface curing materials were tested separately to analyze the applicability of the three surface curing materials on airport pavement. The results showed that silicon infiltration agent was excellent in overall ability. It reduced water penetration height by up to 44.2% and the construction process was mature and suitable as the surface curing material for airport pavement concrete. Ethyl silicate improved concrete performance significantly. It reduced 7 d water penetration by 90%, and by 68.1% even after 60 min flame ablation, and upgraded frost resistance from F125 to F175. However, the mixed solution had a potential of explosion, therefore its application on airport pavement concrete would require further investigation. Nano-SiO₂ did not work so well in performance improvement compared with the other two. It was not recommended for airport pavement concrete application. The results of the study can provide input for the selection of surface curing materials in airport engineering.