Strength properties of double blend and triple blend self-compacting concrete subjected to different curing methods

Abstract

The behaviour of Self Compacting Concrete is complex with the addition of both chemical and mineral admixtures. The use of supplementary cementing materials such as Metakaolin, FlyAsh, GGBS and Silica fume is required to improve the flow properties of fresh concrete, to decrease the cement contents, to increase the strength as well as durability of cement and to reduce cement consumption for environmental and economical concern. The hydration mechanism, strength, and setting characteristics of SCC are all influenced by the curing process. As a result, the findings of an investigation into the effects of curing methods on the compressive strength of SCC using Metakaolin as the primary supplementary cementing material are described in this paper. FlyAsh, GGBS and Silica fume are used individually for triple blend binders with OPC and Metakaolin. The Grade of concretes made were Standard concretes of M50. The concretes’ compressive strengths were assessed at 7 and 28 days. The traditional water pond approach was used as a reference, and wax-based liquid membrane and polymer-based liquid membrane curing compounds were used for testing. To reduce the water cement ratio and increase the flow and filling capacity of SCC, a superplasticiser based on a polycarboxylic ether polymer with long lateral chains is used. The performance of the Polymer based membrane curing compound is better than Wax based membrane curing compound. In addition to this, the polymer based membrane allows plastering and painting over the concrete surface. The early gain in strength is observed in all the membrane cured cubes at 7 days, but the rate of gaining strength is reduced after 7 days when compared with the Water pond cured cubes.