Curing: The easiest and cheapest method to increase the durability and strength of concrete

Abstract

Curing is a process which follows immediately after placing and finishing of concrete. It maintains a satisfactory moisture content and temperature in concrete for a period of time so that the desired properties may develop. Curing has a strong influence on the properties of hardened concrete. With proper curing concrete becomes stronger, more impermeable, and more resistant to stress, abrasion, and freezing and thawing. Using of fiber in concrete may improve these properties but it increases the cost of concrete. This paper reports the results of a study conducted to assess the effect of ages of curing on durability and strength of fiber and non fiber reinforced concrete. Also a comparative study of cost per unit strength and cost per unit service life period is done in between fiber reinforced concrete and non fiber reinforced concrete with proper curing. The concrete cubes were prepared by varying three water cement ratios and by curing them for a different number of curing days. Bulk electrical resistivity test, ultrasonic pulse velocity test, compressive strength test, flexural strength test and carbonation depth test of the cured cubes were performed. From the test results it is found that proper curing of traditional concrete is more economical than fiber reinforced concrete in achieving the same strength and durability.