Effect of casting temperature on strength and density of plain and blended cement concretes prepared and cured under hot weather conditions

This paper reports the results of a study conducted to investigate the effect of casting temperature and curing under hot weather conditions on the compressive and tensile strength and density (evaluated by measuring pulse velocity) of plain and blended cement concretes. The concrete specimens were cast at 25, 32, 38 or 45 °C and cured outdoors by covering them with wet burlap. The optimum casting temperature for the plain and blended cement concretes was evaluated by measuring compressive and split tensile strength and pulse velocity. Further, correlations between these properties was developed. The optimum casting temperature was noted to be 32 °C for OPC and SF cement concretes while it was 38 °C for VFFA, FA, GGBFS and NP cement concretes. A good correlation was noted between the concrete casting temperature, period of curing and the concrete properties.