Effect of the Curing Conditions and Superplasticizer on Compressive Strength of Concrete Exposed To High Ambient Temperature of Nawabshah, Pakistan

The overall performance of the hardened concrete is believed to be greatly affected by the type and duration of the curing. The influence of the curing on the strength and durability of concrete becomes more significant when the concrete is to be exposed to high ambient temperature of the local area. This paper presents the results of an experimental study conducted to investigate effect of curing conditions and superplasticizer on compressive strength of concrete exposed to high ambient temperature. The cube specimens of standard size were cast and tested. The superplasticizer was used as percentage of cement being 0% to 2% with an increment of 5%. The specimens were cured initially in water for 3days, 7 days and 14 days and then exposed to the ambient environment up to the testing age. All the specimens were tested at 28 days. In addition, a batch of the specimens was cast and cured continuously in water for 28 days and another batch of the specimens was exposed to the high ambient temperature without initial wet curing. Both the batches were also tested at 28 days age. The results were compared to investigate the effect of initial wet curing and superplasticizer on compressive strength when it is exposed to the high ambient temperature. The results reveals that the compressive strength of concrete exposed to the high ambient temperature is significantly influenced by the wet curing period and the addition of superplasticizer.