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Content

NO TITLE PAGE

1.0 Abstract 1

2.0 Introduction 2

3.0 Application of Self-Curing Concrete 3

4.0 Precaution 3

5.0 Method of Self-Curing Concrete 4

6.0 Signification of Self-Curing Concrete 4

7.0 Mechanism of Internal Curing 5

8.0 Potential Materials for Internal Curing (IC) 5
8.1 Cement (Ordinary Portland Cement-OPC) 5
8.2 Coarse Aggregate 6
8.3 Fine Aggregate 6
8.4 Water 6
8.5 PEG 6

9.0 Advantage of Internal Curing 7

10.0 Comparison Self Curing Concrete and Normal Curing Concrete 10

11.0 Conclusion 10
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1.0 Abstract:

The strength and durability of concrete depends on the curing of concrete.

The ACI-308 Code states that “internal curing refers to the process by which the
hydration of cement occurs because of the availability of additional internal water that
is not part of mixing water”. Conventionally, curing concrete means creating
conditions such that water is not lost from the surface for example curing is taken to
happen ‘from the outside to inside’. In contrast, ‘internal curing’ is allowing for
curing ‘from the inside to outside’ through the internal reservoirs (in the form of
saturated lightweight fine aggregates, super absorb polymers, or saturated wood
fibers) created. ‘Internal curing is often also referred as ‘self-curing’. Any negligence
in curing will interfere in the strength and durability of concrete. Shrinkage reducing
agents and lightweight aggregates such as Polyethylene-glycol and Leca, Silica fume
and stone chips are used respectively to achieve effective curing results.

2.0 Introduction:

Proper curing of concrete structures is important to meet performance and

durability requirements. In conventional curing this is achieved by external curing
applied after mixing, placing and finishing. Self-curing or internal curing is a
technique that can be used to provide additional moisture in concrete for more
effective hydration of cement and reduced self-desiccation.

Construction industry use lot of water in the name of curing. The days are not
so far that all the construction industry has to switch over to an alternative curing
system, not only to save water for the sustainable development of the environment but
also to promote indoor and outdoor construction activities even in remote areas where
there is scarcity of water.

Curing is the process of controlling the rate and extent of moisture loss from
concrete during cement hydration. It may be either after it has been placed in position
(or during the manufacture of concrete products), thereby providing time for the
hydration of the cement to occur. Since the hydration of cement does take time-days,
even weeks rather than hours-curing must be undertaken for a reasonable period of
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time. If the concrete is to achieve its potential strength and durability curing may also
encompass the control of temperature since this affects the rate at which cement
hydrates.

The curing period may depend on the properties required of the concrete, the
purpose for which it is to be used, and the ambient conditions, example the temperate
and relative humidity of the surrounding atmosphere. Curing is designed primilary to
keep the concrete moist, by preventing the loss of moisture from the concrete during
the period in which it is gaining strength. Curing may be applied in a number of ways
and the most appropriate means of curing may be dictated by the site or the
construction method. Curing is the maintenance of a satisfactory moisture content and
temperature in concrete for a period of time immediately following placing and
finishing so that the desired properties may develop. The need for adequate curing of
concrete cannot be overemphasized. Curing has so strong influence on the properties
of hardened concrete; proper curing will increase durability, strength, water tightness,
abrasion resistance, volume stability, and resistance to freezing and thawing and
deicers.

A durable concrete is one that performs satisfactorily under the anticipated

exposure condition during its designed service life. In addition to the normal concrete
mix some additional compounds in proper dosage and materials such as fly ash is
used to increase the durability and strength of the concrete mix.

Figure 1.0: Example of Self-curing Concrete

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3.0 Application of Self Curing Concrete

Spray on in one even coat with a hand or power sprayer as soon as the
surface water disappears from concrete surface.

4.0 Precautions

 Keep from freezing. Do not apply when the temperature of the air and the
concrete is less than 40 Celsius.
 Do not mix or dilute with any other products or liquids.
 Do not use on surfaces that are later to be painted, tiled, hardened, sealed or
treated in any manner. Not recommended for use on residential applications.
 It is applied in two coats. If needed more coat may be applied.

5.0 Method of self-curing:

The major challenge in construction field nowadays is the lack of availability

of water; this problem can be reduced to a greater extent with the introduction of self-
curing concrete. Since, SCC controlling the rate and extend of moisture loss from
concrete during hydration. The scarcity of water for curing can be compensated with
the use of self-curing concrete and reduce the water usage. Currently, this method
uses poly-ethylene glycol (PEG) which reduces the evaporation of water from the
surface of concrete and also helps in water retention.
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6.0 Significance of Self-curing

When the mineral admixtures react completely in a blended cement system,

their demand for curing water (external or internal) can be much greater than in a
conventional ordinary Portland cement concrete. When this water is not readily
available, significant autogenous deformation and (early-age) cracking may result.
Due to the chemical shrinkage occurring during cement hydration, empty pores are
created within the cement paste, leading to a reduction in its internal relative humidity
and also to shrinkage which may cause early-age cracking.
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7.0 Mechanism of Internal Curing:

Continuous evaporation of moisture takes place from an exposed surface due

to difference in chemical potentials (free energy) between the vapour and liquid
phase. The polymers added in the mix mainly form hydrogen bonds with water
molecules and reduce the chemical potential of the molecules which in turn reduces
the vapour pressure, thus reducing the rate of evaporation from the surface.

8.0 Potential Materials for Internal Curing (IC):

 Cement: OPC (53 Grade)

 Fine aggregate: Locally available natural river sand passing through 4.75mm
sieve was used for all of the mixes of self-curing concrete. The fine aggregate
was free from organic impurities.
 Coarse aggregate: Crushed stone was used as a coarse aggregate passing
through 20 mm and retaining on 4.75mm was used for all of the mixes of self-
curing concrete.
 Water: Water used was fresh, colorless, odourless and tasteless, convenient
water that was free from cause early-age cracking organic matter of any type.
 Polyethylene-Glycol (PEG): Polyethylene glycol is produced by the
interaction of ethylene oxide with water, ethylene glycol, or ethylene glycol
oligomers the reaction is catalysed by acidic or basic catalysts. It is used as
water reducing agent.

8.1 Cement (Ordinary Portland Cement-OPC)

 In this study Ordinary Portland Cement-Grade 53, has been certified with IS:
12269 – 1987, Grade 53 which is known for its rich quality and high durability
is used. Specific gravity of cement used here is 3.2.
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8.2 Coarse Aggregate

 Coarse aggregate used in this area passed from 16mm and retained on 10mm.
Well graded cubical or rounded aggregates are desirable. Aggregates should
be uniform quality with respect to shape and grading. Specific gravity of
coarse aggregate used here is 2.81

8.3 Fine Aggregate

 Grading must be uniform throughout the work and must pass through 4.75mm
sieve size which confirms to the code IS: 383 – 1970. Particles smaller than
0.125mm size are considered as fines which contribute to the powder content.
Specific gravity of fine aggregate used is 2.58 and fineness modulus 2.783 is
used for this study.

8.4 Water

 Portable water available in laboratory was used for casting all the specimens.
The quality of water was found to satisfy the requirements of IS: 456 – 2000

8.5 PEG

 Polyethylene glycol is a condensation polymer of ethylene oxide and water

with general formula H (OCH 2 CH 2) n(OH), where n is the average number of
repeating ox ethylene groups typically from 4 to 180. The abbreviation
(PEG600) is termed in combination with a numeric suffix which indicates
average molecular weights. The Common feature of PEG appears to be water-
soluble nature polyethylene glycol is non-toxic, odorless, neutral lubricating,
on-volatile and non – lubricating and is used in variety of Pharmaceuticals.
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9.0 Advantage of Internal Curing:

Internal curing (IC) is a method to provide the water to hydrate all the cement,
accomplishing what the mixing water alone cannot do.
Provides water to keep the relative humidity (RH) high, keeping self-
desiccation from occurring.
Eliminates largely autogenous shrinkage.
Maintains the strengths of concrete at the early age (12 to 72 hours) above the
level where internally and externally induced strains can cause cracking.
Can make up for some of the deficiencies of external curing, both human
related (critical period when curing is required in the first 12 to 72 hours) and
hydration.

10.0 Comparison Self Curing Concrete and Normal Curing Concrete

Table 1: Compressive strength comparison of NCC & SCC

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Figure 2: Compressive strength comparison of NCC & SCC

As shown in figure 2 the strength of concrete when using PEG is higher than
normal concrete curing for both grade this is because by using the PEG it can reduce
the amount of water used.
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Table 2: Split tensile strength comparison of NCC & SCC

Figure 3: Split tensile strength comparison of NCC & SCC for concrete grade M20
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Figure 4: Split tensile strength comparison of NCC & SCC for concrete grade M20

In figure 3 it is shown the split tensile strength comparison of NCC and SCC.
From the graph PEG have a higher split tensile strength than normal concrete curing
because by using the PEG we can prevent more water evaporate because of the
weather.

11.0 Conclusion:

The optimum dosage of PEG600 for maximum strength (compressive and

tensile) was found to be 1% for both M20 and M25 grade. Strength of self-curing
concrete is on equal with conventional concrete. Self-curing concrete is an alternative
to conventional concrete in desert regions where scarcity of water is a major problem.
From this we can conclude that using Self-curing concrete will improve more the
strength and the workability of the concrete. So the structure that had been construct
can be design for a longest durability.