Title:
CO2 Curing of Concrete Blocks
Author(s):
Caijun Shi and Yanzhong Wu
Publication:
Concrete International
Volume:
31
Issue:
2
Appears on pages(s):
39-43
Keywords:
carbon dioxide; curing; concrete masonry units; sustainability
DOI:
Date:
2/1/2009
Abstract:
To sequester carbon dioxide (CO2) as part of a global atmospheric stabilization strategy, CO2 can be used to cure cement-based materials. For example, manufacturers of concrete masonry units could sequester CO2, reduce energy consumption, and reduce the associated generation of CO2 by switching from current steam curing processes to a CO2 curing process. Although CO2 curing provides slower strength development than steam curing, it’s been shown that this performance can be improved if the blocks are properly preconditioned before CO2 curing. A summary of a laboratory study of CO2 curing for full-sized concrete masonry units and a comparison of the properties of CO2- and steam-cured blocks is provided.