Internal Curing of Structural Concrete: A Closer Look
Publication: Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 34, Issue 2
Abstract
Utilizing Internal Curing (IC) technology in the production of high performance concrete (HPC) for structural purposes is the main focus of this investigation. Pre-wetted lightweight aggregates of perlite and pumice in addition to recycled aggregates were utilized to produce internally cured HPC mixtures. Results show that 10% replacement of crushed sand with pre-wetted perlite yields acceptable compressive strength of the concrete. Also, flexural strength was improved with up to 15% replacement of coarse aggregates with pre-wetted recycled aggregates. Shrinkage testing revealed the superiority of internal over conventional curing through decreased shrinkage and minimized surface cracking, as a result of the enhanced hydration process. However, the results of air permeability and chloride ingress testing showed worsened behavior of internally cured concrete as indicated by the amount of internal cracking and air pockets present after the end of curing process. The empty pores in the lightweight aggregates created an interconnected network of voids that eased penetrability of chlorides to reinforcing bars.
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Data Availability Statement
All data, models, and code generated or used during the study appear in the published article.
Acknowledgments
The financial support provided by the Egyptian General Authority of Roads, Bridges and Land Transport (GARBLT) is gratefully acknowledged. The technical support of the staff at Lafarge Egypt Central Materials Lab is appreciated.
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Published In
Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 34 • Issue 2 • February 2022
Copyright
© 2021 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Dec 28, 2020
Accepted: Jun 3, 2021
Published online: Nov 16, 2021
Published in print: Feb 1, 2022
Discussion open until: Apr 16, 2022
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