Curing of high-volume fly ash concrete

Abstract

High-volume fly ash concrete has been developed for the last few decades. One of the main disadvantages of this type of concrete is slow compressive strength development and low early-age strengths. In order to overcome this adequate curing regime should be chosen. Water is the main factor influencing the hydration and pozzolanic reaction in concrete so water curing is usually the best choice. Higher curing temperatures have a positive effect on the chemical reactions taking place in concrete so steam curing is usually used for high-volume fly ash concrete. In order to obtain good early and later compressive strengths, a balance between standard water curing and steam curing duration is needed.