Effect of curing methods on shrinkage and corrosion resistance of concrete

This paper reports the results of a study conducted to assess the effect of curing on shrinkage and corrosion resistance of OPC and silica fume cement concretes. The concrete specimens were cured by covering with wet burlap or applying one of the following curing compounds, water-, acrylic-, bitumen-based, or coal tar epoxy. The results indicated that the selected curing compounds were effective in decreasing the shrinkage strain and enhancing the corrosion resistance of both OPC and silica fume cement concretes. It was also noted that 3 days of wet burlap curing prior to the application of a curing compound was necessary for the OPC concrete while 7 days of wet burlap curing is required for the silica fume cement concrete.

► Effect of curing methods on shrinkage strain and reinforcement corrosion was studied.
► Specimens were cured by covering with wet burlap or four types of curing compounds.
► Curing compounds were effective in decreasing the shrinkage strain and reinforcement corrosion.
► Initial curing prior to the application of the curing compound is preferable.