Effect of Different Curing Methods on the Properties of Microsilica Concrete

Microsilica concrete was prepared with a water-binder ratio of 0.35. Microsilica was used as a 10% replacement of cement by weight. Cylinder and cube specimens were cast for testing different hardened properties of the concrete. Three curing methods such as water curing, wrapped curing, and dry-air curing were applied at 20±2 C to cure the cylinder and cube specimens until the 0 day of testing. The cylinder specimens were tested to determine the compressive strength, ultrasonic pulse velocity, dynamic modulus of elasticity, and rate of moisture movement of microsilica concrete. In addition, the cube specimens were tested to determine the initial surface absorption of the concrete. Test results indicate that water curing as well as wrapped curing provided much better results than dry-air curing. The rate of moisture movement was significant when the specimens were subjected to dry-air curing. It hampered the hydration process, and thus affected the compressive strength and other properties of the concrete. The overall findings of this study suggest that microsilica concrete should be cured by water curing to achieve good hardened properties.