The Effects of Steam-Curing on the Properties of Concrete

Worldwide, concrete is the most preferred construction material. The steam curing method is favored when there is a need for accelerating strength. This paper presents the study of the compressive and flexural tensile strength of concrete subjected to eight different steam cures. In addition, the stress-strain curve and the modulus of elasticity were determined at the age of 28 days. The compressive strength test results show that after treatment, strength increases with concrete maturity. A cycle with a pre-heating period gives better results than a cycle without a pre-heating period. The longer the duration of the maximum temperature period, the lower the strength drop compared to the control concrete. The best results were obtained for concrete treated according to the following cycle: a 3-hour pre-heating period at 20oC, a 2-hour increase of temperature from 20 to 70oC, and a 3 hour of maximum temperature of 70oC.