Project Report

on
SELF CURING CONCRETE

A Major Project Report Submitted In Partial Fulfilment of the requirement for

the award of the degree of

Bachelor of Technology
In
Civil Engineering

By
NARESH KUMAR
Roll No. 18CE39L

Under the Supervision of

SH. MOHD. ZEESAN KHAN

( ASSISTANT PROFESSOR )

Department of Civil Engineering

Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth Faridabad (Haryana)
Session 2018-2022
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 CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the project report entitled “SELF CURING CONCRETE” being
submitted by Naresh Kumar Roll No. 18CE39L for the partial fulfillment of the award
of the degree of BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY in CIVIL ENGINEERING by
Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth, Faridabad is a record of a bonafide work carried out by them
under my supervision during the year 2022.
The contents of this report have not been submitted to any other University or institute
for award of any degree or diploma.

Dr. Maniraj M. SH. MOHD. ZEESAN KHAN

(Head of Department) ( Assistant Professor )
Department of Civil Engineering Department of Civil Engineering
Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth
Faridabad. Faridabad

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 DECLARATION

I Naresh, (Roll No. 18CE39L) the student of Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical

and Automobile Engineering during session 2018- 2022 at Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth,
Faridabad, Haryana, hereby declare that the work presented in this report entitled “SELF
CURING CONCRETE ” is the outcome of our own bonafide work and is correct to the
best of my knowledge and this work has been undertaken taking care of Engineering
Ethics.

It contains no material previously published without referring or written by another

person nor material which has been accepted for the award of any other degree or
diploma of the university or other institute of higher learning, except where due
acknowledgment has been made in the text.

Submitted by:
Naresh Kumar
(Roll No. 18CE39L)

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 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I would like to thank my guide, SH. MOHD. ZEESAN KHAN ( Assistant Professor)
for his very valuable guidance, his support and his critical suggestions through out the
completion of our project.

It was a privilege to study under his supervision. His vision and broad knowledge
played an important role in the project work. I also like to thank him for pushing me to
the stage that I thought I could never accomplish.
Allow me to express my sincere gratitude to Mr. Mohd. Zeesan Khan (Assistant
Professor) for his tremendous and selfless support in design of the project and time
management skills while fabricating the product.
It is my great honor to have had the opportunity to work with these great minds and
their remarkable characters. Their spirit of enthusiasm and commitment even in the
times when we students found it hard to do is commendable.
Also I appreciate the moral support of Mr. Mohd. Zeesan Khan during our project
work.

Submitted by:
Naresh Kumar
(Roll No. 18CE39L)

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 ABSTRACT

Mechanical properties of concrete depend on the curing condition of concrete. The ACI-
308(2010) through ACI-308(2014) 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 the mixing Water”, curing concrete means that water is not lost
from the surface i.e., curing is taken to happen from the outside to inside. In contrast,
internal curing is allowing for curing ‘from the inside to outside. 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
Leca and Polyethylene-glycol, Silica fume and stone chips are used respectively to
achieve effective curing results. It is observed that there is an increase in compressive
strength by using polyethylene glycol (PEG) and light weight fine aggregate (LWA).

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 TABLE OF CONTENT

Acknowledgement

Abstract

Chapter 1 Introduction
1.1 Introduction
1.1.1 Additive Manufacturing

Chapter 2 Literature Survey

2.1 Objective and Scope
2.2 Working Principle
2.3 Application of Pick and Place Robot
2.4 Advantage and Disadvantage
2.5 Arduino Board

Chapter 3 Components and Software

3.1 Components used in the project
3.1.1 Selection of Motors
3.1.2 Arduino Board

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 CHAPTER – 1
INTRODUCTION

1.1 Introduction
Internal curing (IC) offers benefits of improved hydration, reduced chloride ingress, and
reduced early age cracking, which help concrete achieve its maximum potential as a
sustainable building material by extending its service life.

Internal Curing is a practical way of supplying additional curing water throughout the
concrete mixture. This is done by using water absorbed in expanded shale, clay or slate
(ESCS) lightweight aggregate, which replaces some of the conventional aggregate in the
mixture. IC is often referred to as “curing concrete from the inside out.” ACI-308(2010)
[25] defined internal curing as “supplying water throughout a freshly placed
cementitious mixture using reservoirs, via pre-wetted lightweight aggregates, that
readily release water as needed for hydration or to replace moisture lost through
evaporation or self-desiccation” While internal curing occurs in conventional light-
weight concrete, it is only recently that internal curing has been intentionally
incorporated into normal weight concrete to improve its properties. ECP 203 (2017) [26]
defined internal curing as “the concrete can be treated with a sealant to keep the mixing
water inside the concrete without leaking moisture from the surface and also by using
the preservative additives for water”. Before using these materials, it must be tested to
ensure that it conforms to the specifications and takes precautions to avoid any
unacceptable negative impact on pressure resistance for concrete.

The primary benefits of internal curing (IC) are more durable and less permeable
concrete. These benefits are provided in three ways. First, improved cement hydration

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 and supplementary cement materials (SCM) reaction reduces the porosity of the
concrete. Second, internal curing (IC) improves the interfacial transition zone causing it
to be “almost nonexistent” at the lightweight aggregates (LWA). Third, the additional
curing water provided by IC minimizes the internal autogenous stresses due to self-
dehydration, resulting in reduced early age cracking and reduced overall cracking.

The even distribution of additional water sources within the concrete will lead to greater
uniformity of moisture throughout the thickness of the section, and thus reduced internal
stresses due to differential drying. While drying shrinkage may not be completely
prevented in the long term, delaying it will allow the mixture to gain strength and be
better able to resist the associated stresses.

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 CHAPTER – 2
WHAT IS CURING OF CONCRETE

2.1 Curing of Concrete

Curing is the maintenance of satisfactory moisture content and temperature in concrete

for a period of time immediately following placing and finishing so that the desired
properties may develop.

Curing has a 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 etc.

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 Hydration of Cement:

2C3S + 6H ------------> C3S2H3 + 3 Ca(OH)2

100 + 24 ------------> 75 + 49 .
2C2S + 4H ------------> C3S2H3 + Ca(OH)2
100 + 21 ------------> 99 + 22

 C3S requires 24% and c2s requires 21% of water by weight of cement. It has been
estimated that avg. 23% is required for complete chemical reaction.
 It has been also estimated that about 15% water by wt. of cement is requires to fill
up the gel pores.
 So total 38% of water is requires by wt. of cement for complete hydration process.

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  In all this it is assumed that hydration is taking place in sealed container, where
moisture evaporation does not take place.

 Excess of lack of water may cause undesirable capillary cavities.

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 DEFINITION OF CURING: (as per ACI-308R)
 The term “curing” is frequently used to describe the process by which hydraulic
cement concrete matures and develops hardened properties over time as a result of
the continued hydration of the cement in the presence of sufficient water and heat.
(As per IS : 456-2000)
 “Curing is the process of preventing the loss moisture from the concrete”.

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 2.2 TYPES OF CURING
a) Water curing :
 Immersion
 Ponding
 Spraying
 Wet covering

b) Steam curing
c) Self-curing / membrane curing
d) Miscellaneous : like, curing by infra red radiation, electrical curing etc.

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 2.3 What is self curing concrete?
 It has been pointed out earlier that curing does not means application of water, it
means also creation of condition for promotion of Uninterrupted and Progressive
hydration.
 It is also pointed out that the quantity of water, normally mixed for making
concrete is sufficient to hydrate the cement content.

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  Concrete in which the mixing water is restricted by means of some chemical
compounds, to go out from the concrete body is known as “Self curing concrete.”

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 2.4 Why self curing concrete?
 Sometimes workers are carried out in place where
there is acute shortage of water and the application of
water curing is not possible for reasons of economy.

 Prevention of moisture loss from the surface of flat

concrete works such as highways and airports have
been challenging task for construction managers.

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  If the evaporation of moisture from concrete are not prevented properly it may
results in plastic shrinkage cracks, poorly formed hydrated products, finishing
problems and other surface defects.

 Sometimes concrete is placed in some inaccessible, difficult of far places. Where

curing cannot be properly done or supervised.

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 How to find out the rate of evaporation?

 Drying behavior of concrete depends upon air temperature, relative humidity,

concrete temperature and wind condition.
 Figure shows drying behavior as per learch’s investigation.
 (Based on ACI : 305 R-5)

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 2.5 How the self curing is being done?
 Membrane forming curing compounds are used to retard the loss of water from
concrete during the early age.
 They are used not only for curing fresh concrete but also further curing after
removal of formwork.
 Application of these compounds seals the concrete surface effectively by forming
monomolecular film on the surface.
 Membrane forming curing compounds is a long chain of hydrocarbon molecules.
 Which forms monomolecular film on the surface of the concrete immediately after
placing.

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 MECHANISM:
 The compound molecules is primarily
hydrophobic in nature with hydrophilic

CURING COMPOUND
terminal group.
 Hydriphilic terminal group attaches itself
to the film of bleeding water.
 While the long Hydrophobic chain
maintains a vertical orientation away
from the bleeding water.
 Water molecules do not possess
WATE

sufficient energy to escape through the

R

hydrophobic layer.
 Which results into quick reduction in the
CONC.

evaporation loss.

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  The hydrophobic effect represents the tendency of water to exclude non-polar
molecules. The effect originates from the disruption of highly dynamic hydrogen
bonds between molecules of liquid.

 A hydropholic molecule or proportion of a molecule is one that has a tendency to

interact with or he dissolved by water.
 A pure hydrocarbon molecule, is incapable of roaming hydrogen bonds with water.
 The hydrogen bonds are partially reconstructed by building a water “cage” around
the compound molecule.

 The water molecules that form the “cage” have substantially restricted mobilites.

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 CHAPTER – 3
TYPES OF COMPOUNDS

3.1 Types of Compounds:

a) Synthetic Resin

b) Wax

c) Acrylic

d) Chlorinated Rubber

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 TYPE OF COMPOUND DESCRIPTION

Resin and Wax based curing  They seals the concrete effectively

compound  With the timer their efficiency will get reduce

 If plastering is required to be done the surface can be washed

off with hot water.

 It gives an average efficiency of about 80%

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 Acrylic based membrane  They seals the concrete effectively

forming curing compound  Additional advantage of having better adhesion of subsequent

plaster. It does not need to be washed with hot water.

 Better bonding for plaster.

Chlorinated rubber type  It does not only protect concrete from drying out but also fill

compound the minute pores in the surface of concrete.

 The surface film will wear out eventually.

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 3.2 Application Procedure:

 It is applied by brushing or by spraying while the concrete is wet.

 In the case of beam and column the application is done after removal of formwork.

 In case of road and pavements the curing compound is applied after texturing.

 In case the concrete surface has dried, the surface should be sprayed with water

and thoroughly wetted and made fully damp before curing compound is applied.

 The container of curing compound should be well stirred before use.

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 Liquid membrane forming compound:

 Following types of compounds are included in it;

a) Clear or translucent without dye

b) Clear translucent with fugitive dye

c) White pigmented

 The main performance specification for curing compounds:

ASTM C-309 Liquid Membrane – Forming Compounds for Curing

Concrete. The curing compound shall not allow the concrete

specimen to lose more than 0.55kg/m2 of water in 72 hours.

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 White-pigmented concrete curing compounds

 White-pigmented concrete curing compounds are wax-based dispersions with

selected white pigments.

 When properly applied, which optimizes water retention. The white pigment

reflects the sun’s rays and helps to keep the concrete surface cooler and prevent

excessive heat buildup.

 It is ideal for application on exterior, horizontal surfaces, such as highways,

airports pavements.

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 3.3 Advantages

 When properly applied, provide a premium-grade film, which optimizes water

retention.

 Protects by reflecting the sun’s rays to keep the concrete surface cooler and prevent

excessive heat buildup, which can cause thermal cracking.

 Furnished as a ready-to-use, true water based compound. Produces hard, dense

concrete . . . . . minimizes hair checking, thermal cracking, dusting and other

defects.

 Offers a compressive strength significantly greater than improperly or uncured

concrete.

 Improves resistance to the abrasion and corrosive actions of salts and chemicals . . .

minimizes shrinkage.

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 Application Method

 Spray on in one even coat with a hand or power sprayer as soon as the surface

water disappears from concrete surface.

Precautions

 Keep from freezing. Do not apply when the temperature of the air and / or the

concrete is less than 40° F (4° C).

 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.

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 Resin-Based, Water-Based Concrete Curing Compound:

USES

 Used on both interior and exterior applications where paint, resilient tile or resilient

flooring may be applied later.

 Because of the wide variety of coatings, paints, adhesives, and toppings available,

contact the manufacturer of the flooring system for application approval over resin-

based curing compounds.

 A small test application is always recommended.

Technical data

 Drying time : Typically dries in 1 – 2 hours, depending on jobsite conditions

(temperature, wind, etc.)

 Restrict foot traffic for at least four hours; 12 hours is preferable.

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 General Tips For Application Of Liquid-Membrane Curing Compounds:

 Always apply the curing compound uniformly at the specified application rate

(typically 200 ft2/gallon, 4.9 m2/L).

 A major problem on most jobsites is the spraying of the curing compounds at

extremely high application rates, i.e. The material is applied at 300-400 ft 2/gallon,

rather than 200 ft2/gallon. As a result, the quality of the concrete goes down

dramatically!

 A good rule of thumb on flatwork is to apply the curing compound heavy enough

to create a slight flood of material on the concrete surface or, as another option,

apply the curing compound in two applications, one at right angles to the other.

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 Conclusion

 In short, discussed all above curing compounds are effective tool to avoid the

occurrence of plastic shrinkage cracks in a windy, low humid and exposed to sun

condition.

 Contractor can benefit by able to expedite the work schedule and placing more

concrete while client benefits by obtaining concrete free of plastic shrinkage crack

and having greater durability value.

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 THANK YOU

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