Effect of internal curing on durability-related properties of high performance concrete

Internal curing of high performance concrete (HPC) by pre-saturated lightweight aggregates is a well-established method of counteracting self-desiccation and autogenous shrinkage. However, by introducing the internal water reservoirs strength and durability properties can be injured. Tests by the widely accepted methods of durability assessment, such as resistance to chloride penetration, air permeability, water absorption, autogenous and drying shrinkage and mass loss, were conducted on HPC mixes made at water to cement ratios in the range of 0.21–0.33. The effect of internal curing on the durability related properties of high-performance concretes as a function of water to cement ratio is reported.