Experimental investigation on the behavior of normal strength and high strength self-curing self-compacting concrete

Self-compacting concrete is used when compaction of concrete is difficult to execute. To use a type of concrete, which does not need conventional curing, self-curing concrete can be used. The combination of those two types together provides a suitable solution for the curing and compacting processes. This research aims to study the feasibility of obtaining normal and high self-curing self-compacting concrete using different curing agents. The effects of curing agents on the behavior of normal and high-strength self-curing self-compacting concrete were studied. This research consists of two stages. The first stage conducted to investigate the effect of curing agent on the main properties of normal-strength and high-strength self-compacted concrete to obtain self-curing self-compacting concrete. The main variables are; concrete grade, curing agent type, and dosage. The second stage was conducted to investigate the behavior of reinforced concrete beams cast using the suggested two concrete types. The results were driven in terms of initial cracking loads, ultimate loads, and crack patterns of testing beams. Results indicate that the both types used, normal-strength and high-strength self-curing self-compacting concrete are efficient in structural elements, which the curing and compacting processes are missing. Curing agents reduce the water evaporation from self-compacting concrete, and hence increase the water retention capacity of self-compacting concretes with sufficient hardened concrete properties.