Authors: U. Srikanth, Assistant Professor A. Ram Kumar
Abstract: Variations in concrete performance are frequently associated with inadequate compaction and insufficient curing, particularly in structural members containing congested reinforcement. Self-compacting concrete (SCC) is capable of flowing and consolidating under its own weight, whereas self-curing concrete is intended to maintain the internal moisture required for continued cement hydration without depending entirely on external curing. The present experimental investigation combines these two concepts to evaluate the performance and durability of self-curing self-compacting concrete using polyethylene glycol of two molecular weights, PEG 4000 and PEG 200, together with light and heavy grades of liquid paraffin wax as self-curing agents. The agents were incorporated at dosages ranging from 0.1% to 1.0% by mass of cement in three SCC mixes, designated A, B and C, having different water-cement ratios. Fresh-state performance was assessed through slump-flow, T50, V-funnel, J-ring and L-box tests in accordance with the workability requirements adopted for SCC. Hardened concrete performance was investigated through compressive strength, acid-attack resistance and sorptivity tests. The experimental results were compared with conventional SCC and conventionally cured specimens in order to examine the influence of the different self-curing compounds and their dosages. The investigation demonstrates that self-curing SCC can provide durability characteristics comparable with conventionally cured concrete while reducing dependence on external curing. The study therefore supports the potential use of PEG and liquid paraffin wax as internal curing agents in SCC where conventional curing and mechanical compaction are difficult to achieve.
