Influence of curing conditions on concrete specimens at construction site

This paper presents the effect Df temperature on the compressive strength o f concrete cylinders used for acceptance of concrete in the field. The cyli nders were submitted to different Luring regimes Concrete and ambient tempe ratures were recorded during the curing period Compressive strength of the cylinders was tested at 7 and 28 days. A microstructural study was also per formed on selected samples. The curing conditions of sample cylinders were found to have a significant effect on the compressive strength of the cylinders used for acceptance. Th is variation of compressive strength field reached up, to 10 MPa, depending on the curing method. The capillary porosity of the hardened concrete was also found to be affected by high temperature. The first 24 h of curing is of major importance on concrete compressive strength. Therefore, care must be taken in the curing and protection of sampled cylinders to minimize the effect of high ambient temperatures.