Impact of lowered curing temperature on the compressive strength of polymer-cement repair mortars

Abstract

This article discusses the results of tests regarding mechanical properties of polymer-cement repair mortars which were cured at a lowered temperature. The assessment was based on compressive strength tests of three PCC repair mortars available on the market. The tests were performed on samples cured at a temperature of 21°C and 8°C and following designed variable-temperature cycles. The tests showed a negative impact of lowered temperature present during curing of concrete repair mortars on these mortars’ compressive strength. Repairing concrete structures during lowered temperatures may cause a drop in parameters considerably lowering the product’s class. Extending the cure time for mortars applied and cured at low temperatures will cause these parameters to increase, but will not always allow to achieve values equal to those of samples cured in laboratory conditions.