Effect of Various Curing Methods and Curing Days on Compressive Strength of Plain Cement Concrete

Abstract

Concrete is the most important and most consumed construction material in global construction industry. The properties of concrete are greatly influenced by properties of its constituents and curing methods utilized for preparation of specimens. This study is focused on investigating the influence of three common curing methods, i.e., ponding, sprinkling and wet cover curing on compressive strength behavior of concrete. In total, 45 cubes were casted and tested after curing for 3, 7, 14, 28 and 56 days. The obtained results suggest that ponding method of concrete curing is most effective among all the three methods of concrete curing considered in this study. After ponding, the performance of concrete cured with wet cover curing method was quite acceptable. Moreover, the study also suggested that sprinkling method of curing gives lowest compressive strength due to greater moisture movement which abates the hydration of binder in concrete. This study will be helpful for construction practitioners in deciding the best-suited curing method under given conditions and available methods of preparation of concrete.