Quantitative measurements of curing methods for concrete bridge decks. (20th February 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hajibabaee, Amir; Khanzadeh Moradllo, Mehdi; Behravan, Amir; Ley, M. Tyler
• Is Part Of: Construction & building materials. Volume 162(2018)
• Page Start: 306
• Page End: 313
• Publication Date: 2018-02-20
• Subjects: Bridge -- Chloride -- Curing -- Lithium silicate -- Poly(alpha-methylstyrene); Building materials -- Periodicals; 624.18
• DOI: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2017.12.020
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0950-0618

Abstract

Highlights: Resistance of microstructure to limewater and chloride penetration is investigated. Drying rate is higher in lithium cured spans of bridge decks than in wet cured ones. Lithium cured samples have higher chloride concentration than wet cured samples. Abstract: This paper gives a quantitative comparison of how different curing methods impact the rate of drying and subsequent penetration of lime water and chloride penetration of concrete. Laboratory work is used to investigate a bridge deck concrete mixture cured by two different curing compounds, wet curing of different lengths, and then no curing. The results confirm that wet curing methods reduce the ingress of external chemicals more effectively. The wet curing for even one day provided significant improvement over both curing compounds and no curing. To confirm the findings in the field eight bridge decks were investigated that were cured with a curing compound and wet curing. The field investigation confirms the findings of the laboratory testing and emphasizes the importance of wet curing for long term durability of concrete. This paper provides important quantitative data that can be used to compare these methods and help with making decisions about different curing practices and the impact on the service life of concrete.