Curing of High-Performance Concrete: Report of the State-of-the Art.
Curing of High-Performance Concrete: Report of the
State-of-the Art.
(1056 K)
Meeks, K. W.; Carino, N. J.
NISTIR 6295; 199 p. March 1999.
Available from:
National Technical Information Service
(NTIS), Technology Administration, U.S. Department of
Commerce, Springfield, VA 22161.
Telephone:
1-800-553-6847 or 703-605-6000;
Fax: 703-605-6900.
Website: http://www.ntis.gov
Order number: PB99-114639
Keywords:
concretes; building technology; curing; durability; high
performance concrete; maturity; porosity;
self-desiccation; silica fume; strength
Abstract:
This report describes the latest information,
technology, and research on the curing of
high-performance concrete (HPC). The scope of the report
is expanded somewhat to examine the current body of
knowledge on the effects of various curing conditions on
the development of the properties of concrete in
general. The significance and importance of curing and
various proposed definitions of high-performance
concrete are discussed. Specific types of the most
commonly used high-performance concrete are described,
and their properties and characteristics are
highlighted. The report summarizes some of the currently
accepted concepts and theories of how curing alters the
physico-chemical characteristics and structure of a
cement paste, since many of these are applicable to the
study of high-performance concrete. The landmark studies
by Powers and Brownyard in the mid 1940s on the physical
and chemical properties of hydrating cement paste are
summarized. The history of the American Concrete
Institute (ACI) building code requirements for curing
are traced from the beginning of this century to the
present time. Current curing requirements in the
standards of various countries are reviewed and
discussed. Some of the recent research in the United
States and other countries, related either directly or
indirectly to the curing of high-performance concrete,
is summarized, including the important work of Hilsdorf
in Germany. The report concludes with a discussion of
the major areas of research needed to develop optimum
curing criteria for this new class of concrete.
Building and Fire Research Laboratory
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Gaithersburg, MD 20899