Description
In the absence of adequate curing, early-age self-desiccation and consequent autogenous shrinkage may be problematic, particularly in concretes with a low water-to-cementitious material ratio. In 2003, a Federal Highway Administration survey regarding the most common distresses in high-performance concrete estimated that up to 60% of bridge decks have experienced early-age cracking, most likely due to autogenous shrinkage. Internal curing has been proposed as a potential technique to mitigate autogenous shrinkage and earlyage cracking. Internal curing is accomplished by the incorporation of water-absorptive materials in low permeability (that is, high performance) concretes, where external curing may not be sufficient to maintain saturation of the concrete member. Within the past decade, internal curing techniques have begun to move from laboratory research to field applications, with tremendous success.
The papers contained in this publication were presented at the Fall 2007 American Concrete Institute Convention in Fajardo, Puerto Rico. The two half-day technical sessions brought together engineers and material scientists from around the world to discuss laboratory research, case studies, and practical applications related to internal curing of high-performance concretes. This publication, co-sponsored by ACI Committees 236, Material Science of Concrete, and 231, Properties of Concrete at Early Ages, offers a unique state-of-the-art perspective regarding this evolving topic.
Table of Contents
SP-256—1
Autogenous Control of Autogenous Shrinkage
by A. Durán-Herrera, N. Petrov, O. Bonneau, K. Khayat, and P.-C. Aïtcin
SP-256—2
Internal Curing Study with Intermediate Lightweight Aggregate
by W.A. Pyc, M.A. Caldarone, D. Broton, and D. Reeves
SP-256—3
Pre-soaked Lightweight Fine Aggregates as Additives for Internal Curing in Concrete
by Y. Wei and W. Hansen
SP-256—4
Internal Curing—Real World Ready Mix Production and Applications: A Practical Approach to Lightweight Modified Concrete
by V.H. Villarreal
SP-256—5
The Influence of Internal Curing on Basic Creep and Autogenous Shrinkage
by M. Lopez, L.F. Kahn, and K.E. Kurtis
SP-256—6
Internal Curing of Concrete Paving: Laboratory and Field Experience
by T. Friggle and D. Reeves
SP-256—7
Internal Curing and Microstructure of High-Performance Mortars
by D.P. Bentz and P.E. Stutzman
SP-256—8
Evaluating High Absorptive Materials to Improve Internal Curing of Concrete
by N. Delatte, D. Crowl, E. Mack, and J. Cleary
SP-256—9
Effect of Blended Cements on Effectiveness of Internal Curing of HPC
by D. Cusson