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KAKINADA
A project report on
S. Pavan M.Tech.
NRI
INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that this project work entitled
(S.Pavan) M.Tech
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Acknowledgement
All the success in the every step of our project involves great efforts
of the masters who guided us all through the way, forbidding many obstacles
and making us to achieve this main project a grand success.
With the sense of gratitude we wish to express our profound regards to
our project guide S.PAVAN Assistant professor for his supervision in framing
our project in an outstanding manner for his remarkable guidance and
encouragement throughout the project.
We convey our heartfelt thanks to Sri. B. Satya Narayana M.Tech
Associate professor & Head of Civil Engineering Department for his infallible
cooperation in the evolution of main project.
We would like to sincerely thank to the principle of NRI Institute of
Technology Dr. C. Naga Bhaskar, M.Tech., PhD, FIE, CE, MISTE, and
MCSI for providing necessary to carry out the project successfully.
A special note of thanks to all the faculty members of Civil
Engineering Department, for sharing their years and adding momentum to our
project.
Project associates:
1) Y J P S Valli (10KN1A0118)
2) A Murali Krishna Reddy (11KN1A0130)
3) K Bhavani Venkateswarulu (11KN1A0112)
4) B Manoj (11KN1A0127)
5) CH Srikanth (11KN1A0150)
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DECLARATION
We the members of the project
HIGH STRENGTH SELF CURING CONCRETE hereby declare that the
matter embodied in this project is the genuine work done by us and has not been
submitted either to this university or to any other university / institute for the
fulfillment of this requirement of any other course of study
Project associates:
1) Y J P S Valli (10KN1A0118)
2) A Murali Krishna (11KN1A0130)
3) K Bhavani Venkateswarulu (11KN1A0112)
4) B Manoj (11KN1A0127)
5) CH Srikanth (11KN1A0150)
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ABSTRACT
Concrete is the second most consumed material in the world after water and it is used
most widely in the construction industry due to its high compressive strength and durability. It is
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CONTENTS
List of Tables
List of Figures
Chapter-1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Methods of self-curing
1.2 Mechanism of Internal Curing
1.3 Significance of Self-Curing
1.4 Potential Materials for Internal Curing (IC)
1.5 Polyethylene Glycol
Chapter-2 LITERATURE REVIEW
Chapter-3 SCOPE AND OBJECTIVES
Chapter-4 EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAMME
4.1 Materials used
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
4.1.1 Cement
4.1.2 Fine Aggregate
4.1.3 Coarse Aggreagate
4.1.4 Polyethylene glycol (PEG)
4.1.5 BASF glenium B233
Chapter-6 CONCLUSION
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1. INTRODUCTION
Curing is the name given to the procedures used for promoting the hydration of the
cement, and consists of a control of temperature and of moisture movement from and into the
concrete. Curing allows continuous hydration of cement and consequently continuous gain in
the strength, once curing stops strength gain of the concrete also stops. Proper moisture
conditions are critical because the hydration of the cement virtually ceases when the relative
humidity within the capillaries drops below 80%. Proper curing of concrete structures is
important to meet performance and durability requirements. In conventional curing this is
achieved by external curing applied after mixing, placing and finishing. Self-curing or
internal curing is a technique that can be used to provide additional moisture in concrete for
more effective hydration of cement and reduced self-desiccation. When concrete is exposed
to the environment evaporation of water takes place and loss of moisture will reduce the
initial water cement ratio which will result in the incomplete hydration of the cement and
hence lowering the quality of the concrete. Various factors such as wind velocity, relative
humidity, atmospheric temperature, water cement ratio of the mix and type of the cement
used in the mix. Evaporation in the initial stage leads to plastic shrinkage cracking and at the
final stage of setting it leads to drying shrinkage cracking. Curing temperature is one of the
major factors that affect the strength development rate. At elevated temperature ordinary
concrete losses its strength due to the formation of the cracks between two thermally
incompatible ingredients, cement paste and aggregates. When concrete is cured at high
temperature normally develops higher early strength than concrete produced and cured at
lower temperature, but strength is generally lowered at 28 days and later stage .A durable
concrete is one that performs satisfactorily under the anticipated exposure condition during its
designed service life. In addition to the normal concrete mix some additional compounds in
proper dosage and materials such as fly ash are used to increase the durability and strength of
the concrete mix.
source of water, which can replace the water consumed by chemical shrinkage during cement
hydration. The second method uses poly-ethylene glycol (PEG) which reduces the
evaporation
of water from the surface of concrete and also helps in water retention
1.2 Mechanism of Internal Curing: Continuous evaporation of moisture takes place from
an exposed surface due to the difference in chemical potentials (free energy) between the
vapors and liquid phases. The polymers added in the mix mainly form hydrogen bonds with
water molecules and reduce the chemical potential of the molecules which in turn reduces the
vapors pressure, thus reducing the rate of evaporation from the surface.
1.3 Significance of Self-Curing: When the mineral admixtures react completely in a
blended cement system, their demand for curing water (external or internal) can be much
greater than that in a conventional ordinary Portland cement concrete. When this water is not
readily available, significant autogenous deformation and (early-age) cracking may result.
Due to the chemical shrinkage occurring during cement hydration, empty pores are created
within the cement paste, leading to a reduction in its internal relative humidity and also to
shrinkage which may cause early-age cracking
1.4 Potential Materials for Internal Curing (IC): The following materials can provide
internal water reservoirs:
Super-absorbent Polymers
Polyethylene glycol
Internal curing (IC) is a method to provide the water to hydrate all the cement,
accomplishing what the mixing water alone cannot do.
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Provides water to keep the relative humidity (RH) high, keeping self-desiccation from
occurring.
Maintains the strengths of mortar/concrete at the early age (12 to 72 hrs.) above the
level where internally & externally induced strains can cause cracking.
Can make up for some of the deficiencies of external curing, both human related
(critical period when curing is required in the first 12 to 72 hours) and hydration
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2. LITERATURE REVIEW
Physical properties of self-curing concrete (SCUC) by Author(s) Magda I.
Mousa et.all (2014)
The aim of this research is to evaluate the effects of self-curing agents such as presoaked lightweight aggregate (leca) and polyethylene-glycol with different ratios on the
physical properties (such as volumetric water absorption, water permeability,
water sorptivity and mass loss) for concretes containing different cement contents; 300, 400
and 500 kg/m3, different watercement ratios; 0.5, 0.4 and 0.3, and silica fume ratios; 0.0%
and 15% cured in dry-air (25 _c) during the experiments.
The results should help explain the effect of self-curing agents on the physical
properties of concrete. Also, the results provide additional data to determine self-curing agent
content for optimization of the physical properties of concrete.
were used in concrete and cured in dry air (25 _C) during the experiment. The results should
help explain the effect of self-curing agents on the mechanical properties of concrete. Also,
the results provide more knowledge about the determination of self-curing agent ratios and
the best type to optimize the mechanical properties of concrete.
As per Vijai K., et.al. (2010), SCC is achieved by reducing the volume ratio of
aggregate to cementitious materials, increasing the paste volume and using various viscosity
enhancing admixtures and super plasticizers. It is the use of super plasticizer which has made
it possible to use w/c ratio as low as 0.25 or even lower and yet to make flowing concrete to
obtain strength of the order 120 MPa or more. Building elements made of high strength
concrete are usually densely reinforced.
Kumbhar P.D., et. al. (2011), observed that the behaviour of the design concrete mix
is significantly affected by variation in humidity and temperature both in fresh and hardened
state. The strength of concrete is affected by a number of factors, one of which is the length
of time for which it is kept moist, i.e. cured, another being the method of curing. Inadequate
or insufficient curing is one of main factors contributing to weak, powdery surfaces with low
abrasion resistance and durability.
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Continuously wetting the exposed surface thereby preventing the loss of moisture
from it.
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i) The scope is to study the effect of polyethylene glycol (PEG 200, PEG 4000) on
strength and durability characteristics of self-curing concrete.
ii) The objective is to study the mechanical characteristics such as compressive strength,
water retention test, flexural strength, split tensile strength by varying the percentage
of PEG 200, PEG 4000 from 0% to 1% by weight of cement for M70 grade.
iii) And also study the durability characteristics such as chloride attack and sorptivity test
by varying the percentage of PEG 200, PEG 4000 from 0% to 1%.
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4. EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAMME
The experimental programme was explained below:
To study the compressive strength, water retentivity, and durability for M70 mixes were
considered. Total 10 cubes were casted which involves different dosages (0%, 0.1%, 0.5%
and 1%) of self-curing agents polyethylene glycol (PEG), under different curing conditions
(indoor, conventional). Compressive strength test was conducted after 7, 14, 28 days of
curing and to investigate the water retentivity capacity; the cubes were weighed for 3 days, 7,
14, 28 days from the date of casting. The curves between compressive strength and
percentage of self curing agent, weight loss and number of days of curing were plotted.
Fig 4.1: FLOW CHART OF EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAMME FOR CONCRETE
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IC 1 Cubes
OC-0%
WC 1 Cubes
P-4000-0.1%
P-4000-0.1%
1 Cubes
P-4000-0.5%
P-4000-0.5%
1 Cubes
P-4000-1%
P-4000-1%
1 Cubes
PEG 4000
PEG
OC-0%
PEG 200
IC-0%
1 Cubes
WC-0%
1 Cubes
P-200-0.1%
P-200-0.1%
1 Cubes
P-200-0.5%
P-200-0.5%
1 Cubes
P-200-1%
P-200-1%
1 Cubes
The fine aggregate used was obtained from a nearby river course. The fine aggregate
confirming to zone II according to IS 383-1970 was used. The sand was sieved through a
set of sieves (i.e. 2.36mm, 1.18mm, 600, 300 and 150 ). Sand retained on each sieve was
filled in different bags and stacked separately. To obtain zone II sand correctly, sand
retained on each sieve is mixed in appropriate proportion. The physical properties of fine
aggregate and proportion in which each size fraction is mixed in table 1 & 2 respectively.
Table 4.1 Physical Properties of fine aggregate
Fineness modulus
2.80
Bulk density
1.4gm/cc
Specific gravity
2.6
% Passing
Recommended
Adopted
by IS:383
10
Cumulative %Weight
Retained
100
100
4.75
90-100
100
2.36
75-100
85
1.18
55-90
70
600
35-59
45
300
8-30
10
150
0-10
Retained
Weight
Retained
in ( gm)
filled in bags and stacked separately. To obtain 20mm well-graded aggregate, coarse
aggregate retained on each sieve is mixed in appropriate proportions. The physical properties
and proportions in each fraction are shown in table 3&4 respectively.
Table 4.3 Physical properties of coarse aggregate
Fineness modulus
7.35
Bulk density
1.59gm/cc
Specific gravity
2.67
Cumulative
Adopted
Recommended
(mm)
Weight
% Weight
(%)Weight
Grading
by IS-383
Retained
Retained
40
100
100
20
95-100
100
16
67-82
70
12
42-66
45
10
25-55
30
4.75
0-10
Retained
In(gm)
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Nomenclat
ure
Of Mix
1
2
Air curing
Water
curing
P-4000-
0.1%
P-4000-
0.5%
P-4000-1%
No. Of
Cubes
Ceme
nt
(Kg)
Glenium
B233(ml
)
FA
(Kg)
CA
( Kg)
Wate
r
(lt)
Polyethyle
ne glycol
(gm.)
Wate
r
(lt)
Polyethyle
ne glycol
(gm)
Nomenclat
ure
Of Mix
1
2
Air curing
Water
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No. Of
Cubes
Ceme
nt
(Kg)
Glenium
B233(ml
)
FA
(Kg)
CA
( Kg)
curing
P-200-
0.1%
P-200-
0.5%
P-200-1%
21 | P a g e
breaks down and no longer can be sustained. The maximum load applied on specimen was
recorded.
fsplit = 2 P/DL,
Where; P = load,
D = diameter of cylinder,
L = length of the cylinder
4.2.3 Durability Studies on Concrete
4.2.3 A). Acid Attack Factor Test
The chemical resistance of the concrete was studied through chemical attack by
immersing them in an acid solution. After 28 days curing period of the specimens of each
batch were taken and their surfaces were cleaned with soft nylon brush to remove weak
reaction products and loose material from the specimen. The initial mass, body diagonal
dimensions value were measured. 2 specimens of each batch of concrete were immersed in
5% HCL.
Preparation of 5% HCL for 5lt solution:
C1V1=C2V2
Concentration of HCL C1= 36%
Required concentration of solution C2= 5%
Volume required V1= 5lt
Volume of HCl V1 =
C 2V 2
C1
55
36
= 694 ml
i.e., to prepare 5 liters solutions of 5% HCl, the volume of HCl to be added is 694 ml.
The mass, diagonal dimensions values are measured at 3, 7, 10, 14, 21, 28 days of immersion.
Compressive strength is measured after 28 days of immersion before testing, each specimen
is removed from the baths, brushed with a soft nylon brush and rinsed in tap water. This
22 | P a g e
process removes loose surface material from the specimens. Mass change, reduction in
compressive strengths values and diagonal dimensions are observed.
The extent of deterioration at each corner of the struck face and the opposite face is
measured in terms of the acid diagonals (in mm) for each of two cubes and the Acid Attack
Factor (AAF) per face is calculated as follows.
AAF = (Loss in mm )/4
6hrs.
Figure 4.1 Sorptivity test, applying wax on the sides of the cube specimen
Because of a small initial surface tension and buoyancy effects, the relationship between
cumulative water absorption (kg/m2) and square root of exposure time (t 0.5) shows deviation
from linearity during first few minutes. Thus, for the calculation of sorptivity coefficient, the
section of curves for the above exposure period of 10min to 6 hours and linear curves were
plotted.The sorptivity coefficient (S) was taken by using the following expression obtained
from equation of curve line:
i = St + C
Where,
Where;
W
AD
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This chapter presented an elaborated study on the experimental program conducted on selfcuring concrete for determining the strength and durability properties. The discussion on the
results obtained from the study is explained in chapter 5.
0.1
0.5%
1%
dosage of PEG
PEG 4000
%
52m
53.6
50m
PEG 200
m
50m
mm
55m
m
58m
PEG 4000
PEG 200
45
0
0.5
1.5
Dosage of PEG
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and average weight loss with different percentage of polyethylene glycol is shown in Fig.5.2.
The following are the observations of water retentivity of concrete.
i) it is clearly observed that the specimen without self-curing agent i.e., in air curing
losing more weight when compared to specimens with dosage of 0.1%, 0.5%, 1% of
self-curing agent.
ii) It is also been observed that in case of specimens with self-curing agent of PEG 40000.5% dosage the weight loss is more when compared to other dosages
( 0.1%, 1%) of self-curing agent.
iii) It is also been observed that in case of specimens with self-curing agent of PEG 40001% dosage the weight loss is less when compared to other dosages
( 0.1%, 0.5%) of self-curing agent.
Table 5.2 Avg weight losses of PEG 4000
10 days
14 days
21 days
28 days
53
75
90
106
133
143
13
27
33
43
53
63
17
30
43
55
66
76
11
22
30
43
50
60
Fig 5.2: Graph between age of curing and average weight losses (gm)
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160
140
120
100
80
Average weight losses (gm)
60
40
20
0
Air curing
p-4000-0.1%
p-4000-0.5%
p-4000-1%
0 10 20 30
Age in days
ii) The compressive strength of PEG 4000-1% dosage of self-curing agent is more
compared to other dosages of self-curing agent ( air curing, PEG 4000-0.1%, 0.5% ).
iii) PEG 4000-1% dosage of self-curing agent has shown better strength than air curing
(0% of self-curing agent ) but not so good as water curing ( 0% of self-curing agent ).
iv) The compressive strength of PEG 4000-0.5% dosage of self-curing agent is lesser
compared to other dosages ( 0.1%, 1%).
Table 5.4 Compressive Strength Test Results Of PEG 4000
Grade
Air curing
water curing
p-4000-0.1%
p-4000-0.5%
p-4000-1%
0 days
(N/mm2)
0
0
0
0
0
7 days
(N/mm2)
42.22
57.77
47.4
46.96
52.59
14 days
(N/mm2)
46.96
64.44
52.59
51.85
64.44
28 days
(N/mm2)
58.51
78.22
70.36
67.1
75.25
Fig 5.4: Graph between age of curing and average compressive strength results
90
80
70
60
Air curing
water curing
p-4000-0.1%
p-4000-0.5%
p-4000-1%
50
Average compressive strength (MPa) 40
30
20
10
0
0 10 20 30
Age of curing
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0 days
(N/mm2)
0
0
0
0
0
7 days
(N/mm2)
42.22
57.77
56.29
50.37
47.4
14 days
(N/mm2)
46.96
64.44
60
59.25
55.5
28 days
(N/mm2)
58.51
78.22
71.11
65.92
64.44
Fig 5.6: Graph between age of curing and compressive strength test results
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90
80
70
60
Air curing
water curing
p-200-0.1%
p-200-0.5%
p-200-1%
50
Ave rage compre ssive strength (MPa) 40
30
20
10
0
0 20 40
Age of curing
iii) For PEG 200 the optimum dosage is 0.1%. at 0.1% of PEG 200 the flexural strength
is less compared to PEG 4000.
iv) But flexural strength value for wet curing ( 0% of self curing agent ) is more
compared to other dosages (PEG 4000, PEG 200& indoor curing).
v)
The flexural strength test value for indoor curing is less when compared to other
dosages.
Table 5.6 Average flexural Strength Test Values
Grade
Indoor
curing
Water
curing
P-4000-1%
P-200-0.1%
7
days
4.5
14
days
4.9
28
days
5.2
5.2
5.6
6.1
5
5.2
5.5
5.4
6
5.9
7
6
5
Air curing
water
curing
p-4000-1%
4
flexural strength(MPa) 3
2
1
p-200-0.1%
0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30
No.of days
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7
days
4.1
14
days
4.55
28
days
5.23
5.23
5.09
6.01
5.09
5.23
5.79
5.02
5.09
5.65
Fig 6.0: Graph between age of curing and average split tensile strength values
7
6
5
water
4 curing
Air curing
p-4000-1%
1
0
0
10 15 20 25 30
No.of days
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