Influence of curing on the properties of concrete and mortars in hot climates

ii This investigation deals with the influence of initial curing periods and different curing environ-ments, similar to those found in Middle Eastern countries, on the pore size distribution, perme-ability, water absorption and compressive strength of cement mortars and concretes made with and without pulverized fuel ash (pfa) and ground granulated blast-furnace slag (ggbs). 00 Three environments were chosen as follows: 1) 20C+70%RH, 2) 35C+70%RH, and 3) 0 45C+30%RH. To simulate in-place casting, the initial mix temperatures were controlled to be as close as possible to that of the environment in which the mixes were to be kept and moisture loss was allowed to occur from only the top-as-cast face of the specimen. Durability of the mortar specimens was assessed using pore size distribution, oxygen permeability, air perme-ability and water absorption. In addition to strength, the following tests were carried out on the concrete specimens to assess durability: initial surface absorption (ISAT), water absorption, rel-ative air permeability and porosity. An the tests carried out on all specimens were undertaken at an age of 28 days