Influence of Internal Curing Materials on Durability Properties of High-Performance Concrete

—Proper curing of concrete is an essential requirement for achieving the desired long-term properties of concrete. Curing of concrete using Internal Curing Materials (ICMs) is considered as an effective method to eliminate self-desiccation and autogenous shrinkage. Two different types of internal curing materials (ICMs), pre-saturated recycled aggregates of construction and demolition wastes (RA), and Superabsorbent Polymers (SAPs) were used in this investigation to study the impact of these materials on the durability performance of concrete. Durability was assessed by measuring the resistance of concrete to chloride ion penetration, and chloride diffusion of high performance concrete (HPC) mixes prepared with a water to cement ratio 0.35, after 28 days of curing in both water and air. Overall results showed that the concrete specimens with air curing method have less resistance to chloride penetration compared to water cured specimens. Also, the mix with recycled aggregates under both curing methods had shown better resistance to chloride ion penetration than the control mix and mix with SAP due to the internal water effectively provided by the recycled aggregates during hydration.