Abstrait

Internal Curing of Concrete Using Prewetted Light Weight Aggregates

Dayalan J, Buellah. M

This project deals with objective of gaining knowledge in the field of material science / concrete technology which includes the study of internal curing of concrete. Applying water externally to the concrete is the conventional approach for curing. In practise conventional type of curing is difficult to perform as it shall need curing membrane and also large amount of water is wasted due to evaporation and runoff. Internal curing refers to the use of prewettedlight weight aggregate to provide sufficient moisture to the hydrating cement throughout the cross section of the concrete. These prewettedlight weight aggregates stores water in it and act as reservoirs which will be able to release the water whenever the concrete requires. Light weight aggregates such as expanded shale or clay is used for internal curing of concrete. The major advantages in internally cured concrete are, the concrete is light weight, free from shrinkage cracks, 3-dimensional curing, and limited use of water.In this study, expanded shale has been used in replacement for coarse aggregates in 10%, 15%, 20% and 25 %..This study also deals with testing of internally cured concrete to meet standards that it would ever need to face.