الفهرس | Only 14 pages are availabe for public view |
Abstract Concrete requires curing in order that cement hydration can proceed so as to allow for the development of strength, durability and other mechanical properties by curing in a suitable environment, especially during the early stages of hardening. 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. Self curing distributes the extra curing water throughout the entire 3-D concrete microstructure so that it is more readily available to maintain saturation of the cement paste during hydration, avoiding self-desiccation and reducing autogenous shrinkage. The main objective of this research is to study the effect of using a super absorbent polymer as a self-curing agent in concrete on the mechanical properties of concrete under different conditions of curing. High range water reducing admixtures (ADDICRETE – B.V.F.) was used as an addition of cement content to overcome the effect of using a super absorbent polymer on the workability of fresh concrete. Two types of coarse aggregate, crushed dolomite and gravel, were used in mixes. |