International Journal of Scientific Research Engineering & Technology (IJSRET), ISSN 2278 0882

Volume 3, Issue 8, November 2014

1201

Comparative study on Durability of Self cured SCC and

Normally cured SCC
Ms. Akanksha Anantrao Patil*, Prof. M. R. Vyawahare**
*Student M.E. IInd year (Structure), Department of Civil Engineering, Babasaheb Naik College Of Engineering Pusad,
Sant Gadage Baba Amaravati University, Amaravati, Maharashtra, India
** Associate Professor of civil Engineering Department Babasaheb Naik College Of Engineering Pusad, Sant Gadage
Baba Amaravati University, Amaravati, Maharashtra, India

ABSTRACT
Scarcity of potable water increases day by day. The use of self curing agent is very important from the point view that
water resources are getting valuable every day. Curing of concrete means maintaining moisture inside the body of
concrete during the early ages and beyond in order to develop the desired properties in terms of strength & durability. A
good curing practice involves keeping the concrete damp until the concrete is strong enough to do its job. This article
summarizes various aspects of Self curing of concrete which can be of valuable assistance in adopting good construction
practices
at
site.
This paper reports the results of a research study conducted to evaluate the effect of self curing method on the
durability of self compacting concrete (SCC). Cube specimens were prepared and cured by covering them with a curing
compound and normal water. The sorptivity and acid attack tests were conducted on the concrete specimens and
compared the Durability of normally cured SCC and SCC cured with self curing material i.e. wax based, white
pigmented, membrane forming concrete curing compound.
Keywords Curing, Self Curing, Self Compacting Concrete, Self Curing Concrete, Curing compound.

I. INTRODUCTION
The concept of self curing is to reduce the water evaporation from concrete and hence increase the water retention
capacity of the concrete compared to conventional concrete. Efficient curing improves the strength and durability of
concrete. Concrete curing compounds is considered to be most important since curing of concrete is a major challenge in
the construction industry. Enough water needs to be present in a concrete mix for the hydration of cement to take place.
When the concrete is exposed, water evaporates from its surface, The factors those influences the evaporation are
atmospheric temperature, wind velocity, relative humidity, type of cement, initial temperature of the concrete and more
importantly free w/c ratio of the mix. [10].
The use of various chemicals in concrete alters the properties like strength and durability. A durable concrete is one
that performs satisfactorily in the working environment during its anticipated exposure conditions during service. The
materials and mix proportions specified and used should be such as to maintain its integrity and, if applicable, to protect
embedded metal from corrosion .Due to the vast construction activities different grades of concrete with natural and
artificial ingredients are in use. In addition to the standard ingredients a number of mineral and chemical admixtures are
used in the preparation of concrete.[1]. The dosage of these admixtures is comparatively more in high grades of concrete
especially in ready mixed concrete. [10].
Well designed concrete may give poor durability if not properly cured and on the other hand a moderately designed
concrete if well cured can give a better durability. Hence importance of curing should never be ignored. So, prolonged
curing is a must which leads to enhanced durability [2]. The advancements in the construction and chemical industry have
paved way for the development of the new curing techniques and construction chemicals such as Membrane curing
compounds, Self-curing agents, Wrapped curing, Accelerators, Water proofing compounds etc. With the growing scale of
the project conventional curing methods have proven to be a costly affair as there are many practical issues and they have
been replaced by Membrane curing compounds and Self-curing agents up to some extent as they can be used in
inaccessible areas, Vertical structures, Water scarce areas etc .It is most practical and widely used curing method. [3].

II. SELF CURING CONCRETE

As per IS:456-2000 Curing is the process of preventing the loss of moisture from the concrete. [12]. Self curing
concrete is the one which can cure itself by retaining its moisture content [8]. A concrete can made to self cure by adding
curing admixtures or by the application of curing compounds.

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International Journal of Scientific Research Engineering & Technology (IJSRET), ISSN 2278 0882
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2.1 Application of external self curing compound

Membranes forming curing compounds are used to retard the loss of water from concrete during the early age.
They are used not only for curing fresh concrete but also further curing after removal of formwork. Application of these
compounds seals the concrete surface effectively by forming monomolecular film on the surface. Membrane forming
curing compounds is a long chain of hydrocarbon molecules. This forms monomolecular film on the surface of the
concrete immediately after placing. White-pigmented concrete curing compounds are wax-based dispersions with selected
white pigments. When properly applied, which optimizes water retention. The white pigment reflects the sun's rays and
helps to keep the concrete surface cooler and prevent excessive heat buildup. It is ideal for application on exterior,
horizontal surfaces, such as highways, airports pavements.
The curing compound is applied by brush or by spraying while the concrete is wet. In case of columns and beams the
application is done after the removal of formwork. On the horizontal surface, the curing compound is applied upon the
complete disappearance of all bleeding water.
It is Suitable for all general concreting applications and gives particular benefit for large area concrete surfaces,
such as airport runways, roads and bridgeworks. It is also suitable for piece works where, it is difficult to curing and
suitable for tunnel lining work also.

Fig.1. Application of external self curing compound

III. EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION

To understand the behavior of curing on the Durability of concrete by normal curing and external self curing i.e. by
applying curing compounds on concrete surface this work has been done. In this experimental work, two tests are
performed i.e. 1. Sorptyvity test, 2. Acid attack test. The mix design is carried out using Nan-su Method for M70 grade of
self compacting concrete. Tests are conducted on 18 no. of standard cubes of 100 x 100 x 100 mm size , which are casted
in the laboratory.
Materials used
3.1. Cement
53 grade ordinary Portland cement from Deccan cement Ltd. conforming to IS: 12269-1987 having specific gravity
3.15 is used.
3.2. Fine Aggregate
Locally available river sand conforming to I.S. passing from 4.75 mm, having Specific gravity 2.60, Fineness Modulus
2.783 is used for this study. Particle size distribution is given in table 1.
Table 1: Particle size distribution

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International Journal of Scientific Research Engineering & Technology (IJSRET), ISSN 2278 0882
Volume 3, Issue 8, November 2014

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3.3. Coarse Aggregate

Coarse aggregate used in this study are passed from 16mm and retained on 10mm. Specific gravity of coarse
aggregate used is 2.9.
3.4. Filler
It improves the durability of the concrete by reinforcing the microstructure through filler effect and reduces
segregation and bleeding. It also helps in achieving high early strength. [3]. So silica fume having specific gravity 2.38 is
used as a filler material. Chemical composition of silica fume is given in Table no. 2.
Table 2. Chemical composition of silica fume
Sr.
Quantity
Constituents
(%)
No.
SiO
1
91.03
2
Al
O
2
0.39
2 3
Fe
O
3
2.11
2 3
4
5

CaO
LOI

1.5
4.05

3.5. Water
Water is an important ingredient of concrete as it actually participates in the chemical reaction with cement.
Ordinary potable water available in the laboratory is used.
3.6. Superplasticisers
GLENIUM B233 from BASF company is used as Superplasticiser . It complies with IS: 9103 1999.The
properties are:
Table 3. BASF Glanium B233
Aspect
Light
brown
liquid
Relative Density
1.08 0.01 at
25C
PH
>6
Chloride
content

ion <0.2%

3.7. Curing Compound

3.7.1. CONCURE WB:
CONCURE WB water based concrete curing compound is based on a low viscosity wax emulsion. It is supplied
as a white emulsion which forms a clear film on drying. When first applied to a fresh cementetious surface the emulsion
breaks to form a continuous, non-penetrating white coating. This dries to form a continuous clear film which provides a
barrier to moisture loss, ensuring more efficient cement hydration, improved durability and reduced shrinkage. [14].
Curing efficiency: Concure WB curing agent complies with the internationally recognized ASTM C309-90 standard.
Specific gravity : 1 to 1.01 g/cc
Colour : Bulk liquid White
Supplied in 200 litre drums.
Covers 3.5 to 5.0 m2/litre
Shelf life12 months

3.7.2. MASTERKURE 107i:

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International Journal of Scientific Research Engineering & Technology (IJSRET), ISSN 2278 0882
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MASTERKURE 107i is a solvent free; membrane forming wax emulsion, suitable for curing newly placed or
freshly concrete, assists in the retention of water during hydration. The resultant film retains sufficient moisture in the
concrete to ensure full hydration of the cement; essential for optimum strength development. Membrane cured concrete is
typically harder and exhibits a dust free surface with a reduced incidence of drying shrinkage cracks. [13].
The product shall comply with ASTM C 309
Type II, Class A. BS 7542: 1992
Colour : White liquid
Available in 20Ltrs & 210 litre drums.
The recommended rate of application is 5-6 m2/litre
Shelf life is 12 months

IV. MIX DESIGN

The mix proportion was done based on the method proposed by Nan-S [5]. The mix designs were carried out for
concrete grade 70MPa. The details of mixes are given in table 4. All the ingredients were first mixed in dry condition.
Then 70% of calculated amount of water was added to the dry mix and mixed thoroughly. Then 30% of water was mixed
with the super plasticizer and added in the mix.
Then the mix was checked for self compacting ability by slump flow test, v-funnel test and L-box test.
Mix Design obtained by Nan-Su Method
Table 4: SCC with silica fume

V. TESTS CONDUTED ON SCC

5.1. Self Compact ability tests on SCC
Tests on fresh concrete were performed to study the workability of SCC with silica fume. The tests conducted and
their results are listed below:
Table 5: Properties of Fresh Concrete

5.2. Sorptivity
To examine the durability characteristics of SCC, sorptivity is conducted. Sorptivity characteristics of SCC for
structures located above ground level would be more appropriate, sorptivity coefficient can be determined by means of a
simple test allowing one face of concrete specimen be in contact with water.
Test Method
In this test method 6 no. of standard 100mm cube specimens were casted. On the next day of casting, the specimens
were de-molded and located in water curing condition for the period of 28 days.
Water absorption (sorptivity) test were carried out to determine the sorptivity coefficient of concrete specimens
which were preconditioned in oven at 1050C for 24 hr. and then cooled down within desiccators for 24h to achieve a
constant moisture level. Then, four sides of the concrete specimens were sealed by electrical tape to avoid evaporative

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International Journal of Scientific Research Engineering & Technology (IJSRET), ISSN 2278 0882
Volume 3, Issue 8, November 2014

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effect as well as to maintain uniaxial water flow during the test and the opposite faces left open. Before locating the
specimens on water, their initial weights were recorded. One face of specimen was in contact with water, while the water
absorption at predefined intervals was noted by taking weight. The specimens were submerged 5mm in water. Procedure
was repeated, consecutively at various time intervals 15 min., 30 min., 1 hr, 2 hr, 4 hr, 6 hr, 24 hr, 48 hr and 72 hr until
the last reading. Sorptivity coefficient were calculated by the following expression.
S= (Q/A)/
Where,
S = Sorptivity (cm/s1/2)
Q = Vol. of water absorbed in cm3
A = Surface area in contact with water in cm2
t = the time (s).

Fig.2. Experimental set-up for water sorptivity test

5.3.
Acid Attack
The chemical resistance of the concrete was studied through chemical attack by immersing concrete blocks in
sulphuric acid (H2SO4) solution. Here 4 no. of SCC blocks were immersed in curing tank, 4 cured with CONCURE WB
and remaining 4 were cured with MASTERKURE 107i. After period of curing the specimens were removed from the
curing setup and their surfaces were cleaned with soft nylon brush to remove weak reaction products and loose material
from the specimen. The initial weights were measured and the specimens were indentified with number. Again 2 no. of
specimens from each type of curing were immersed in water for next 28 days and remaining specimens ware immersed in
5% H2SO4 solution. The solution was replaced at regular intervals to maintain constant pH 4 throughout the test period.
Concrete is susceptible to acid attack because of its alkaline nature. The components of the concrete paste break down
during contact with acids. Most pronounced is the dissolution of calcium hydroxide which occurs according to the
reaction.
2H2SO4 + Ca(OH)2 Ca(SO4)2 + 2H2O
The results of acid attack are in terms of the weight loss after 28 days for all the concrete specimens.

Fig.3. Acid Attack test

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VI. RESULT AND DISCUSSION

Durability Properties of SCC
6.1. Sorptivity
Sorptivity coefficient was determined by means of simple test allowing one face of concrete specimen in contact with
water and the mass of water absorbed by capillary suction was measured at
predefined intervals. The results of sorptivity test are given in table no.6 and fig. no.4 on the basis of curing type. It is
indicated that SCC cured with water gives lower sorptivity value than that of SCC cured with self curing compoud .There
is noticeable difference in the capacity of water absorption by capillary action between normaly cured SCC and self cured
SCC.
Table 6: Result of sorptivity
Sorptivity (cm/s1/2)
Type of Curing
Normal Water
0.077 x 10-3
BASFs
0.116 x 10-3
Masterkure
Fosrocs
0.199 x 10-3
Concure WB 107i

Fig.4. Graph of sorptivity

6.2. Acid Attack
In acid attack test weight loss, reduction compressive strength is determined to evaluate the extent of concrete
deterioration due to sulphuric acid attack. The results of acid attack test are given in table no.7 and fig. no.6 and fig. no.7
on the basis of curing types.
Table 7: Result of acid attack test
% Wt.
28 days
Strength after
Loss
strength Mpa
acid attack
Mpa
9.79%
68.40
38.59

Sr no.

Curing Type

% Loss in
Comp.
Strength
43.58 %

1.

Normal curing

2.

Concure curing

9.43%

60.60

34.75

42.65%

3.

Masterkure
curing

7.41%

56.72

32.94

41.92%

The coating of curing compound could not be removed completely; hence the ingress of the acid was obstruct;
reducing the mass loss and strength loss.

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International Journal of Scientific Research Engineering & Technology (IJSRET), ISSN 2278 0882
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Though the final strength was less than that of the water cured specimens.

Fig.6.Graph of % loss in Weight

Fig.7.Graph of % loss in Comp. Strength

VII. CONCLUSION
It is known that normal curing method seems to be the best method for curing giving maximum strength and
durability[11]. By using curing compounds also we can achieve almost 90% strength and durability achieved by normal
curing method without much attention. There is not major strength loss. From the test results it has been observed that,
curing compounds does not have any adverse effect on the durability of concrete, Also following conclusions were
arrived from the experimental investigation.
1. Self curing with curing compound Concure wb gives about 10% less compressive strength than Normal water curing.
2. Also Self curing with curing compound Materkure107i gives about 15% less compressive strength than Normal water
curing.
3. In areas with shortage of water, sustainability of water can be achieved by using suitable chemical compounds for
curing of concrete.
4. Durability is not affected much by using chemical compounds for curing.
5. Performance of both the curing compound was almost same for SCC.

AKNOLOGEMENT
I avail this opportunity to express my deep sense of gratitude and whole hearted thanks to my guide Prof. M. R.
Vyawahare for giving his valuable guidance, inspiration and affectionate encouragement to present and complete this
work.

REFERENCES
[1] C. Selvamony, M. S. Ravikumar, S. U. Kannan and S. Basil Gnanappa, INVESTIGATIONS ON SELFCOMPACTED SELF-CURING CONCRETE USING LIMESTONE POWDER AND CLINKERS, ARPN Journal
of Engineering and Applied Sciences, VOL. 5, NO. 3, March 2010 ISSN 1819-6608.
[2] M. Ibrahim, M. Shameem, M. Al-Mehthel, M.Maslehuddin, Effect of curing methods on strength and durability
of concrete under hot weather conditions Elsevier Cement and Concrete Composites Volume 41, August 2013,
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[3] M. Manoj Kumar and D. Maruthachalam, Experimental Investigation on Self-curing Concrete, International
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[4] M. S. Ravikumar, Selvamony C., S. U. Kannan and S. Basil Gnanappa, BEHAVIOUR OF SELF COMPACTED
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[6] Nan Su,, Kung-Chung Hsu, His-Wen Chai, A simple mix design method for self-compacting concrete, Cement
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[7] N.Gowripalan, R Marks and R Sun., Early age properties of self cured concrete, Proceedings of Concrete
Institute of Australia, Perth 2001,pp 655-662.
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[13]
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