Title:
Low Initial Curing Temperature Improves
the Strength of Concrete Test Cylinders
Author(s):
B. D. Barnes, R. L. Orndorff, and J. E. Roten
Publication:
Journal Proceedings
Volume:
74
Issue:
12
Appears on pages(s):
612-615
Keywords:
compressive strength; concretes: curing; freezing;research: temperature.
DOI:
10.14359/11049
Date:
12/1/1977
Abstract:
The curing temperature of concrete during the first 24 hr of hydration is important. When comparisons are made between concrete specimens cured at 35 F (2 C) as opposed to about 65 F (I 8 C) for the first 24 hr the lower temperature specimens exhibit strengths on the order of IO percent higher than those exposed to the higher temperature after a total of 28 days of curing. Concrete which has been moderately frozen initially may show higher compressive strengths than concrete which has been continuously cured at a temperature of 50 F (16 C) to 70 F (2 I C). Consequently it is believed that suitable comparisons between test cylinders prepared in accordance with ASTM C 3 I and in-place concrete can be made only when records of the ambient temperatures are available.