Salt scaling resistance – The effect of curing and pre-saturation

The effect of pre-saturation and three curing methods (standard 14-day, 3-day curing, and curing compound) on salt scaling resistance was studied in three concrete types including plain, 25% fly ash and 35% slag. The concrete made with slag showed the highest salt scaling resistance in accordance with ASTM C 672, its proposed replacement method, and the 3-day curing method followed by the plain concrete followed by the concrete made with fly ash. According to the method using the curing compound, the plain concrete showed the highest salt scaling resistance followed by slag concrete followed by fly ash concrete.

► One week presaturation generally gives higher scaling resistance.
► Curing compound decreases scaling in Portland mixtures, but not those with SCM.
► Fly ash concrete exhibits poor scaling resistance.