DEVELOPMENT OF COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH PREDICTIVE MODELS OF SELF-COMPACTING CONCRETE CURED USING DIFFERENT CURING METHODS

Abstract

Curing is the process of controlling the rate and extent of moisture loss, relative humidity and temperature from newly poured concrete for a certain period of time after it has been cast or finished to ensure that the cement has been properly hydrated and the concrete has hardened. The concrete strength, durability and other physical properties are affected by curing and application of the various types as it relates to the prevailing weather conditions in a particular locality, as curing is one of many requirements for concrete production, as such it is important to study the effect of different curing method. The concrete cube specimens produced with cement, fine aggregate, and coarse aggregate mix-ratio of 1:2.23:1.62 were prepared with a water-cement ratio of 0.5 and superplasticizer (SP) dosages of 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5%. The SP dosages were computed as percentages by weight of the cement content.  The cubes were tested for compressive strength after curing for 7, 14, 21, 28, and 56 days using three curing methods namely; Immersion, open air, and wet burlap curing methods. This study assessed the effect of different curing methods on compressive strength of self-compacting concrete through the development of a mathematical method to model and analyze the effect of the curing methods used on the compressive strength of the SCC and also to validate the reliability of the method used.  Data Fit software was used in the model development, the curing age and super-plasticizer dosage were used as independent variables while the compressive strength...