Curing Period Research Articles

An approach for strength development assessment of cement-stabilized soils with various sand and fine contents

Cement stabilization is a well-established ground improvement technique. However, there have been limited investigations aimed at the effect of heterogeneous soil types with varying amounts of coarse-grained (sand) and fine-grained (silt and clay) substances, on the strength enhancement of cement-stabilized soils. In this cement stabilization research study, sand (S) and clayey silt (F) were mixed together to have a variety between coarse- and fine-grained fractions at 100, 75, 50, 25, and 0 % by dry weight, designated as the ratio of S:F=100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, and 0:100, respectively. The water content was prepared at the range of 1.25–2.50 optimal water content to simulate field applications. The strength enhancement of cement-stabilized soils was influenced by the fine content, water content, and cement content. The soil–water to cement ratio (s-w/c) was effectively incorporate the impact of both water and cement contents on the strength enhancement, for a given a specific fine content. The generalized correlation between unconfined compressive strength, qu and s-w/c could be represented as a power function: qu = M/(s-w/c)N. In this equation, M and N are constants that are primarily influenced by the fine content. The shear strength ratio versus fine content chart was proposed as a means to assess the effect of fine content on the strength of cement-stabilized soil with varying s-w/c. A stepwise approach for assessing the strength enhancement of cement stabilization in soil based on physical characteristics (i.e., plasticity index and fine content) was proposed and validated. The robustness of the proposed approach was realized by the low mean absolute percent error, (MAPE<7.0 %) and high coefficient of determination (R2 > 0.95) for measured and predicted strengths comparison. This technique serves as a valuable tool for mix design, specifically in relation to clay mineral and fine content. It supports in making engineering decision regarding the appropriate amount of water and cement needed to achieve strength requirements throughout the requisite curing period, while minimizing the number of repetitions needed.

Optimizing Concrete Strength and Sustainability by Using Blast Furnace Slag and Waste Glass Powder as Additives

ABSTRACTConstruction industry intends to promote effective utilization of waste materials obtained from various sources to develop an eco‐friendly building material for high performance, life cycle sustainability, and reduction of carbon footprints globally. The current study focusses to produce concrete mix by using industrial wastes such as ground granulated blast furnace slag (BOF) and glass powder (GP). Samples are prepared by utilizing industrial wastes partially for M35 grade concrete. The ground granulated BOF and GP are used with 10%–40% and 0.1%–0.4%, respectively, as the partial replacement of cement. Under different curing periods, the specimens were characterized for their physical and mechanical properties. Test results were analyzed to check the workability, compressive strength, flexural strength, and water absorption of the sample mixes prepared. The highest compressive and flexural strength of the samples are found to be 46.23 MPa and 5.13 MPa, at the optimal replacement of BOF and GP in the proportion of 30% and 0.2%, respectively.

Application of fused filament fabrication 3D printing and molding to produce flexible, scaled neuron morphology models

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to assess a novel method for creating tangible three-dimensional (3D) morphologies (scaled models) of neuronal reconstructions and to evaluate its cost-effectiveness, accessibility and applicability through a classroom survey. The study addresses the challenge of accurately representing intricate and diverse dendritic structures of neurons in scaled models for educational purposes.Design/methodology/approachThe method involves converting neuronal reconstructions from the NeuromorphoVis repository into 3D-printable mold files. An operator prints these molds using a consumer-grade desktop 3D printer with water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol filament. The molds are then filled with casting materials like polyurethane or silicone rubber, before the mold is dissolved. We tested our method on various neuron morphologies, assessing the method’s effectiveness, labor, processing times and costs. Additionally, university biology students compared our 3D-printed neuron models with commercially produced counterparts through a survey, evaluating them based on their direct experience with both models.FindingsAn operator can produce a neuron morphology’s initial 3D replica in about an hour of labor, excluding a one- to three-day curing period, while subsequent copies require around 30 min each. Our method provides an affordable approach to crafting tangible 3D neuron representations, presenting a viable alternative to direct 3D printing with varied material options ensuring both flexibility and durability. The created models accurately replicate the fidelity and intricacy of original computer aided design (CAD) files, making them ideal for tactile use in neuroscience education.Originality/valueThe development of data processing and cost-effective casting method for this application is novel. Compared to a previous study, this method leverages lower-cost fused filament fabrication 3D printing to create accurate physical 3D representations of neurons. By using readily available materials and a consumer-grade 3D printer, the research addresses the high cost associated with alternative direct 3D printing techniques to produce such intricate and robust models. Furthermore, the paper demonstrates the practicality of these 3D neuron models for educational purposes, making a valuable contribution to the field of neuroscience education.

Compressive Strengths of Cube vs. Cored Specimens of Cement Stabilized Rammed Earth Compared with ANOVA

Cement-stabilized rammed earth (CSRE) is a variation of the traditional rammed earth building material, which has been used since ancient times, strengthened by the addition of a stabilizer in the form of Portland cement. This article compares the compressive strength of CSRE determined from specimens cored from structural walls and those molded in the laboratory. Both types of specimens underwent a 120-day curing period. The tests were conducted on specimens with various grain sizes and cement content. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed on the obtained results to determine whether it is possible to establish a conversion factor between the compressive strength values obtained from laboratory-molded cubic samples and those from cored samples extracted from the CSRE structure. The study revealed that the compressive strength of CSRE increases significantly over the curing period, with substantial strength gains observed up to 120 days. The results indicated no statistically significant difference in the mean unconfined compressive strength (UCS) between cubic and cored specimens for certain mixtures, suggesting that a shape coefficient factor may not be necessary for calculating CSRE compressive strength in laboratory settings. However, for other mixtures, normal distribution was not confirmed. These findings have implications for the standardization and practical application of CSRE in construction, highlighting the need for longer curing periods to achieve optimal strength and the potential to simplify testing protocols.

Interaction of Curing and Soaking on Collapse Potential of Nanoclay-Treated Soil

This study examines the combined impact of pre-test curing and soaking periods on the soil's resistance to collapse those results from treating gypseous sand with varying amounts of nanoclay. The soil comes from the Iraqi city of Najaf. The soil sample is mainly sand. The nanoclay named "Montmorillonite K10" is used, and it is non-toxic. The tests are performed with a computerized Oedometer. The collapse potential is estimated according to a single Oedometer test (SOT), where the specimens are initially dry and then soaked under a stress level of 200 kPa. Four data sets related to the percentages of 0, 3, 6, and 12% nanoclay are used. Each data set comprises three groups of pre-tests for curing duration and different soaking durations. All experiments have a constant initial dry density of 1.64 g/cm3, water moisture of 3%, and gypsum content of 29%. The findings of this study show that the collapse potential (CP) of natural soil specimens decreases as the pre-test curing time increases. Generally, there is a decrease in CP due to adding the nanoclay and 6% of the nanoclay exhibited the highest reduction in CP. Also, there is an increase in the pre-test curing for the nanoclay-treated soil specimens, which leads to an increase in the CP related to the no-curing state.

Stabilization of Fibrous Peat Soils with Addition Palm Shell Ash Waste

South Sumatra Province has a peat area of 1.4 million Ha. The distribution of peat soil in Ogan Ilir is 23,687.91 Ha. Peat soil has a low bearing capacity. This research aims to explain the effect of stabilization on peat soil characteristics. Peat soil samples were taken using the Block Sampling method. The research locations are Parit Village and Lorok Village, Ogan Ilir Regency. Peat soil needs better properties and is unsuitable for foundation soil for civil construction. To overcome this, one method of soil improvement is required, namely the chemical stabilization method: changing the chemical properties of the soil by adding a mixture. The mixture used is palm shell ash waste with variations of 0%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%. Soil properties (physical and chemical), SEM, EDS, PTS, and CBR tests were carried out to determine the effect of this mixture. Soil properties test results: water content () in Parit Village 226.39%, and Lorok Village 252.39%. The fiber content (FC) test results for Parit Village were 25.18% and for Lorok Village 28.01%. Peat soil is classified as fibrous peat soil. The CBR value for Parit Village was 4.60%, and Lorok Village was 4.16%. The results of the immersion CBR test showed that Parit Village had a curing period of 7 days, a variation of 5%, namely 4.68%. Look Village obtained the most outstanding results: a curing period of 14 days, a variation of 25%, and 4.76%. The CBR value obtained in this study is 3%-5% (average) when used for subgrade strength with compaction conditions depending on the road category.

Sustainable mortar reinforced with recycled glass fiber derived from pyrolysis of wind turbine blade waste

Pyrolysis technology has recently made significant progress in recycling millions of tons of wind turbine waste (WTB). Short fibers represent its main product (∼70 wt%), which needs further studies to explore its future applications. In this context, this work aims to the valorization of the recycled glass fiber (rGF) derived from pyrolysis of WTB (at 550 °C) in the production of rGF-reinforced mortar composite (rGF/M) for sustainable building applications. The research began by subjecting the derived rGF to sieving (rGFs), washing (rGFw), and oxidation (rGFo) pretreatments for purification and removing any impurities, organic residues, and char particles. Afterward, the chemical degradation of the treated rGF in a strong alkaline cement solution with pH = 14 was studied for up to 90 days. In parallel, the mortar composite samples were fabricated at 1 wt% of the treated rGF batches (rGFr, rGFw, and rGFo) to study the effect of different pretreatments on their microstructure, dispersion, compressive strength, flexural strength, and water absorption capabilities behavior after different curing periods (28 and 90 days). The results showed that rGFo (7.84%) showed a lower degradation rate versus rGFw (16.41%) and rGFr (30.76%). Meanwhile, the highest curing period (90 days) contributed to improving the properties of the mortar composites in general, especially in the case of using rGFo which led to improved compressive strength (15%) and reduced absorption coefficient (38%) and cumulative water content (32%) with a uniform distribution of short fibers in the matrices and a slight increase in flexural strength compared to control mortar sample (8.6 MPa). While rGFs provides better flexural strength (9.3 MPa) with a 12% improvement. Based on these results it can be concluded that rGFo has high potential in sustainable building materials with high competition with virgin glass fiber.

Comprehensive analysis of cement-stabilised dredged marine soil: Evaluating physical, microstructural, and mechanical characteristics

This study evaluates the index, microstructural, and mechanical behaviour of cement-stabilised soft soil. The marine soil dredged from Hangzhou is taken for the study. Different percentages of ordinary Portland cement (OPC)by dry mass were added to the soils during reconstitution, i.e., 5, 10, 15, and 20%. The reconstituted samples were analysed in the laboratory to determine basic properties such as moisture content, void ratio, density, specific gravity, consistency limits, and particle size distribution. The microstructures of the reconstituted samples were also evaluated through scanning electron microscopy. Results inferred a significant impact on the physical properties of the soil. An increase in cement content increases the consistency limits. Additionally, the specific gravity, plasticity index, and density of the treated soil initially decreased but increased upon further addition of cement content. The microstructure of the soil transformed from a dispersed to a flocculated structure, with larger and denser particles. The change in microstructure was also evident in the particle size distribution, with an increase in cement content leading to larger size particles. Finally, the unconfined compression test conducted on the reconstituted soil indicates a substantial enhancement in strength with higher cement content and prolonged curing periods.

Characterization of cement–slime mixture using time domain reflectometry

This study explores the electromagnetic characteristics of five cement–slime mixtures using two types of time domain reflectometry sensors. For 28 days of curing, compressive strength tests are conducted and electromagnetic signals are measured. The electromagnetic wave velocity and corresponding apparent permittivity are calculated, and the relationships between these properties and the compressive strengths of the mixtures are established. Results show that in the initial curing period, capturing the apparent permittivity using a conventional probe proves difficult due to the high electrical conductivity of the mixtures. In contrast, an insulated electrical wire can detect reflected signals across all slime ratios, but it exhibits less sensitivity to changes in the electromagnetic signal. The apparent permittivity decreases exponentially over the curing time, influenced by the hydration process. Strong correlations are found between the apparent permittivities derived from both sensors and between decreasing apparent permittivity and increasing compressive strength.

Assessment of the Swelling Behavior of NaOH-Contaminated Red Earth in the Visakhapatnam Region of India Using X-ray Diffraction Analysis

Research on the impact of alkali contamination on the swelling behavior of red earth in the Visakhapatnam region has been notably limited. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effects of alkali (NaOH) contamination on the swelling characteristics of the region’s red earth. The red earth of this region was found to be a well-graded sandy soil with 81% sand and 18% fines. X-ray diffraction studies showed that this region’s red earth mainly consists of quartz, kaolinite, and hematite. The soil is inherently non-swelling. However, the free swell tests showed considerable swell under contamination of NaOH solutions of various normalities (0.05, 0.1, 1, 2, and 4N). One-dimensional consolidation tests have shown that the swell increased with the concentration of the NaOH solution and with the duration of the interaction. Red earth exhibited 'an equilibrium swelling' of 5.6, 10, 15, 17, and 20% when contaminated with 0.05, 0.1, 1, 2, and 4N NaOH solutions, respectively. XRD studies revealed that the red earth sample contaminated with even 0.05N NaOH solution and cured for 56 days exhibited the formation of zeolites analcime and natrolite. Silicate minerals like paragonite and ussingite were also formed along with the zeolites. N-A-S-H compounds, hydrosodalites, and zeolites like super hydrated natrolite, zeolite SSZ16, and zeolite ZK-14 were formed at higher normalities of NaOH after a curing period of 56 days, which caused increased swell. The research demonstrated that the formation of zeolites resulting from the alkali contamination led to swelling in the red earth.

Predictive modelling of strength characteristics of stabilized medium expansive soils

This research explores the use of Artificial Neural Network (ANN) modeling to predict the Unconfined Compression Strength (UCS) of stabilized medium expansive soil, aiming to optimize the parameters influencing soil stabilization. A database comprising 240 data points was compiled from laboratory tests involving seven input parameters: Stabilizers content (SCBA &amp; WMD), Curing Period (CP), Liquid Limit (L.L), Plasticity Index (PI), Specific Gravity (Gs), and Free Swell (FS). ANN modeling, employing Levenberg-Marquardt algorithms, demonstrated successful UCS prediction. Increasing the number of neurons improved model accuracy, with optimum results achieved with 14 neurons. With 14 neurons for LMA, the R and R² value reaches 0.99, 0.98 Moreover, plots between experimental and predicted values shows strong correlation as majority of predicted UCS is closed to line of fit. Also error shows large count of data points closed to line of zero error. Sensitivity analysis highlighted SCBA, WMD, CP, L.L, and P.I as significant contributors to UCS prediction, emphasizing their importance in soil stabilization. The study underscores the effectiveness of ANN modeling in predicting soil strength and recommends 4% SCBA and 20% WMD for optimal stabilization. Overall, this research presents a comprehensive approach to predicting UCS in stabilized expansive soil, offering insights into parameter optimization and model enhancement for future geotechnical applications.

Influences of pretreatment methods on the mechanical and environmental behaviors of PG-GGBS-LM ternary stabilizer.

Phosphogypsum is a kind of acidic industrial byproducts with high content of soluble phosphorus and fluorine pollutants, which requires to be pretreated when used as cementitious material to (partial) replace traditional Portland cement. In this study, five different pretreatment methods were proposed for comparative analysis to examine the pretreatment effect on the mechanical and environmental behaviors of ternary phosphogypsum (PG), ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS), and lime (LM) mixed stabilizer. Series laboratory tests, including unconfined compressive strength (UCS), pH, phosphorus (P)/fluorine (F) leaching, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) tests, were conducted to comprehend the macro- and microscopic mechanism. The results show that it is essential to grind raw PG to finer powdered state, so that it reacts more easily and quickly with LM and water. In addition, it was noticed that the UCS and P/F leaching concentration are not only affected by the mixing proportion of the PG-GGBS-LM ternary stabilizer, but also by the curing duration. The UCS increases rapidly from initial curing period and then grows slowly after 28days of curing. From the perspective of strength evolution, mixing proportion of PG: GGBS: LM = 15:80:5 is optimal, but considering the economy and environmental related issues, PG: GGBS: LM = 30:65:5 was regarded as a more attractive choice. The findings can provide a reference for the selection of pretreatment methods and design of PG-based cementitious materials suited for stabilized soils.

Enhancing geomechanical characteristics of calcium sulfoaluminate (CSA) cement-treated soil under low confining pressures

This study examines the efficacy of employing calcium sulfoaluminate (CSA) cement, an environmentally friendly binder, for enhancing the geomechanical characteristics of sand, particularly under low confining pressure conditions. A series of triaxial consolidated drained tests were performed on sand samples treated with varying content (5, 7, and 10%) of CSA cement and 10% ordinary Portland cement (OPC) under various low confining pressures (50, 100, 200, and 400 kPa). The test findings demonstrated the importance of cement content and confining pressure on the mode of failure, stress–strain and volumetric behavior, failure characteristics, and shear strength parameters of the treated quartz sand. After a curing period of 14 days, samples treated with 10% CSA cement exhibited a remarkable 212% increase in peak deviator stress and an 89% reduction in axial strain at failure, indicating higher initial stiffness compared to untreated samples under a 400 kPa confining pressure. Furthermore, the samples treated with 10% CSA exhibited higher peak deviator stress, initial stiffness, and strength development compared to those treated with 10% OPC. The scanning electron microscopy analysis provides insights into particle breakage and bond degradation processes, which increase with confining pressure in CSA-treated samples. Also, the mode of failure analysis reveals a transition from ductile to slightly brittle behavior with increasing cement content. Notably, the geomechanical properties of the treated material emphasized the significant impact of CSA cement on soil improvement. Thus offering a sustainable alternative for soil improvement in construction projects.

Effect of mechanical properties and microscopic mechanism of cement-stabilized macadam under variable temperature environment with early strength agent

The early strength formation of Cement-Stabilized Macadam (CSM) base materials in cold regions is affected by environmental changes. At the same time, the curing temperature of CSM in the actual service environment did not meet the laboratory standard temperature curing environment (ST-CE). This study explores the evolution law of CSM performance and the influence of an early strength agent (ESA-I) on the early performance of CSM under variable temperature curing environment (VT-CE) in cold regions. The actual service environment for CSM curing was simulated in the laboratory, and CSM specimens with five ESA-I dosages of 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% were prepared. The effect of ESA-I on the early properties of CSM under VT-CE was analyzed. The micro mechanism of CSM under different curing environments and ESA-I dosages was investigated based on X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and Scanning electron microscope. The experimental results indicated that the early strength formation of CSM was slow in VT-CE, and the 7-day unconfined compressive strength did not meet the construction quality control indicators of CSM material under heavy traffic conditions. It was necessary to extend the curing period to meet the construction requirements. Adding ESA-I could enhance the strength, modulus, frost resistance, and fatigue performance of CSM under different curing environments. Compared with the ST-CE, the VT-CE would weaken the improvement effect of ESA-I on the performance of CSM. The recommended range for ESA-I in VT-CE was 10% −15% based on comprehensive compressive strength and resilient modulus indicators. Microscopic experiments show that under a VT-CE, the hydration rate of cement decreases, the Ettringite content in the hydration products is higher, and the microstructure is loose. Adding ESA-I improves the hydration rate of cement under VT-CE, and the microstructure contains more C-S-H hydration products.

A novel approach to heavy metal immobilization in municipal solid waste incineration fly ash: Investigating the use of chicken eggshell waste and CaO addition

Municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) fly ash is a significant byproduct of waste-to-energy processes, and poses substantial environmental and health hazards if not treated properly. The process of Stabilization/Solidification (S/S) efficiently immobilizes hazardous elements present in the fly ash through a combination of physical and chemical mechanisms. The objective of this research is to thoroughly examine the feasibility of using chicken eggshell waste powder as a stabilizing agent for heavy metals, specifically targeting Pb, in MSWI fly ash. Experimental analysis involved varying eggshell waste to fly ash weight proportions, extending from 0.0 (control group), 7:3 up to 9.5:0.5 ratio, with designated curing durations of 2 and 72 hours, and maintaining a liquid-to-solid (L/S) ratio at 1.0 mL/g. In the two-hour curing period, the immobilization efficiency of Pb reached 100% with the addition of only 1.5% eggshell waste. Optimal ratios for Pb stabilization in MSWI fly ash were identified: maximum 2% eggshell waste for 2-hour curing and 1.5% for 72 hours due to elevated Pb and Cd levels of 7:3 ratio. Adding CaO mitigated these levels, enhancing stabilization and compliance with landfill criteria. The results demonstrated that the addition of CaO led to efficient immobilization of Pb, achieving approximately 99%. In addition, the observed enhancement in compressive strength resulting from the incorporation of CaO highlights its effectiveness in enhancing the stabilizing process of MSWI fly ash. By demonstrating the effectiveness of eggshell waste and CaO in stabilizing hazardous elements, this study advocates for scalable solutions and further research on long-term stability and environmental impacts.

Experimental study on mechanical and hydraulic properties of xanthan gum improved low liquid limit silty soil

The low liquid limit silty soil in the North China plain area is generally unsuitable for direct use as roadbed and slope soil. In order to improve the performance of low liquid limit silty soil, xanthan gum was used as an improver. Through a series of tests, the improvement effect of xanthan gum on low liquid limit silty soil was studied. The test results showed that Xanthan gum as an improver could significantly improve the unconfined compressive strength of silty soil. With the increase in dosage and curing age, the unconfined compressive strength of improved silty soil continued to improve and eventually tended to stabilize. The optimal dosage and curing period were 2% and 7 days, respectively. In addition, Xanthan gum could greatly improve the permeability and disintegration of low liquid limit silty soil. The permeability coefficient of improved silty soil with a content of 0.75% Xanthan gum and a 7-day curing period was 4.73 × 10−4 m·s−1, which was only 1.10% of that of plain silty soil at the same curing period. After immersion in water for 12 h, the soil only experienced slight disintegration. The scanning electron microscope image showed that the gel generated by the hydration reaction of Xanthan gum could improve the compactness and integrity of the soil by filling the voids, thus significantly improving the mechanical and hydraulic properties of the low liquid limit silty soil.

Multi-scale analysis of carbon mineralization in lime-treated soils considering soil mineralogy

Mineral carbonation is emerging as a reliable CO2 capture technology that can mitigate climate change. In lime-treated clayey soils, mineral carbonation occurs through the carbonation of free lime and cementitious products derived from pozzolanic reactions. The kinetics of the reactions in lime-treated clayey soils are variable and depend primarily on soil mineralogy. The present study demonstrates the role of soil mineralogy in CO2 capture and the subsequent changes caused by carbon mineralization in terms of the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of lime-treated soils during their service life. Three clayey soils (kaolin, bentonite, and silty clay) with different mineralogical characteristics were treated with 4% lime content, and the samples were cured in a controlled environment for 7 d, 90 d, 180 d, and 365 d. After the specified curing periods, the samples were exposed to CO2 in a carbonation cell for 7 d. The non-carbonated samples purged with N2 gas were used as a benchmark to compare the mechanical, chemical-mineralogical, and microstructure changes caused by carbonation reactions. Experimental investigations indicated that exposure to CO2 resulted in an average increase of 10% in the UCS of lime-treated bentonite, whereas the strength of lime-treated kaolin and silty clay was reduced by an average of 35%. The chemical and microstructural analyses revealed that the precipitated carbonates effectively filled the macropores of the treated bentonite, compared to the inadequate cementation caused by pozzolanic reactions, resulting in strength enhancement. In contrast, strength loss in lime-treated kaolin and silty clay was attributed to the carbonation of cementitious phases and partly to the tensile stress induced by carbonate precipitation. In terms of carbon mineralization prospects, lime-treated kaolin exhibited maximum carbonation due to the higher availability of unreacted lime. The results suggest that, in addition to the increase in compressive strength, adequate calcium-bearing phases and macropores determine the efficiency of carbon mineralization in lime-treated clayey soils.

Impact of Curing Periods on the Evaluation of Thermal, Mechanical Properties, and Energy Consumption of Concrete Buildings

This study examines the impact of the curing period on the thermal and mechanical properties of concrete and its subsequent effect on building energy consumption. The research methodology is divided into two parts: experimental and simulation. In the experimental section, concrete specimens were created using regular concrete with a dosage of cement of 350 Kg/m³, and curing periods were varied (without curing, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days) to assess thermal conductivity, density, ultrasonic pulse velocity, and compressive strength at 28 days. The results indicated that compressive strength increased by 71% between uncured and 28-day cured specimens, ultrasound propagation speed increased by 15%, and thermal conductivity increased by 31% with longer curing periods. A simulation using TRNSYS software estimated the energy consumption of a reference building with varying concrete properties based on the curing period. The simulated building consisted of three rooms, a hall, and a kitchen, with double exterior walls of 25 cm thickness and interior walls of 10 cm thickness. The findings revealed that longer curing periods contributed to increased energy consumption in the building. This study provides valuable insights into the relationship between curing periods, concrete properties, and their effect on the energy efficiency of concrete buildings.

Strength and microstructural characterization of silica fume blended concrete with increased curing period

With rapid urbanization and an exponential surge in population, the need and demand for concrete structures have increased, and industrial waste has also increased. Due to this, the adverse effects on the environment have started to show. Utilizing industrial byproducts in concrete, such as silica fume (SF), not only contributes to the reduction of industrial waste, but also mitigates the adverse environmental effects. The present investigation is mainly focused on the influence of SF on the strength and microstructure of concrete with an increased period of curing. In this study, SF is used as a substitute for cement in varied proportions of 0 %, 10 %, 20 %, 30 %, and 40 %. This investigation determines the mechanical parameters of concrete, such as compressive, split tensile, and flexural strength, at curing periods of 28, 56, and 84 days. The results indicate that a 10 % substitution of cement with SF as the optimum dosage. In this investigation, scanning electron microscopy is performed to examine the microstructure of the concrete samples that contributed to the variation in strength characteristics with an increased period of curing. Microstructural analysis has revealed that the incorporation of SF in the concrete matrix with an increased period of curing has led to the decrease in voids and an increase in hydration products. The incorporation of SF in the concrete matrix led to the densification of the microstructure. With increased period of curing, the strength parameters have enhanced due to the pozzolanic reaction between SF and the free lime present in the concrete matrix.

Dry-Wet Cycles Durability of Solid Waste Based Cementing Materials Solidifying Different Characteristic Soils

Abstract A comparative study of the durability of multi-source solid waste-based soil solidification materials in solidifying different soil types has not yet been conducted. Therefore, the properties of multi-source solid waste-based solidification materials (SBM) solidifying clay soil (CS), sandy soil (SS) and organic soil (OS) subjected to dry-wet cycles of damage were studied in this work. The unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of the SBM solidified soil was tested to evaluate the mechanical properties of the solidified soil. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and mercury injection porosimetry (MIP) tests were conducted in order to study the micro-action mechanism. The results demonstrated that the SBM showed wide applicability and good long-term performance. The rate of strength increase of the SBM solidified soil during the long-term curing period was found to be dependent on soil characteristics. All the types of SBM solidified soils exhibited increased UCS during the first 10 cycles of the D-W. As the number of D-W cycles increased from 10 to 50, the UCS loss rate for CS reached 78%, with OS experiencing the least at 58%. The structure of SBM solidified soil exhibited softening and weakened resistance to deformation with each additional D-W cycle. The types of hydration products were consistent across all three soil types. The quantity of hydration products was influenced by the characteristics of the soil, which also contributed to the deterioration of damage resistance in D-W cycles. The number of pores within the SBM solidified soil increased with the number of D-W cycles (&gt;10 cycles), resulting in a deterioration of the compact structure.