Performances of concrete under elevated curing temperature

Abstract

The behaviors of concrete at elevated curing temperature were studied. The test results show that when concrete is cured at elevated temperature, a harmful consequence occurs. The later strength decreases significantly compared to that under normal curing condition. Incorporating silica fume, fly ash and slag or lowering w/c ratio can effectively alleviate this harmful consequence. Comparatively, incorporation of silica flume is the most efficient means to decrease the later strength reduction. The harmful consequence is not caused by the difference in degree of hydration since the degree of hydration is similar between elevated curing temperature and normal curing condition. The SEM analysis shows that it is the uneven distribution of hydration products caused by elevated curing temperature that leads to the later strength reduction of concrete.