Effects of curing methods and temperatures on mechanical properties of reactive powder concretes

Abstract

Reactive Powder Concretes are currently one of the most advanced cementitious composites presenting high mechanical resistance combined with a dense and modified microstructure compared to an ordinary concrete. This high performance is obtained throught the curing process, employing thermal treatment, aiming to enhance the pozzolanic reactions of the constituents present in these concretes, promoting advantageous changes in the microstructure of the material. This research evaluated the influence of different thermal curing methods (conventional, submerged, steamed, and hot air) under different temperatures (230C, 500C, 700C and 900C) on the compressive strength of a Reactive Powder Concrete, resulting variances over 70% of compressive strength between different curing methods, where it was concluded that steam curing method is the most efficient. The curing temperature of 900C resulted in the highest values of compressive strength for the tested specimens.

Keywords

• concretos de pós reativos
• cura térmica
• resistência à compressão
• propriedades mecânicas