A study on the influence of curing on the strength of a standard grade concrete mix

Curing is essential if concrete is to perform the intended function over the design life of the structure while excessive curing time may lead to the escalation of the construction cost of the project and unnecessary delays. Where there is a scarcity of water and on sloping surfaces where curing with water is difficult and in cases where large areas like pavements have to be cured, the use of curing compound may be resorted to. The parameters of the study include the curing period [1, 3, 7, 14 and 28 day], curing method [conventional wet curing, membrane forming compound curing and accelerated curing] and the type of cement [Ordinary Portland Cement(OPC) 43 grade, Portland Pozzolana Cement(PPC) 43 grade and Ordinary Portland Cement(OPC) 43 grade +10% Silica Fume(SF) replacement for cement]. In all a total of 99 cube specimens were cast and cured under different conditions before testing. Test results indicate a drop in strength at all ages for concretes with PPC and the one in which 10% OPC is replaced by silica Fume(SF) in comparison with the concrete with OPC. Curing by membrane forming curing compound yielded nearly the same results as that of conventional wet curing for concrete with OPC and there was a marginal decrement in concrete with PPC. Predicted 28-day strength of concrete from the accelerated curing test was found to be on a conservative side compared to control concrete.