Accelerated Curing Tank - High-temperature Heating System Rapid Strength Development For Concrete Testing

Introduction:

The strength of concrete is generally estimated after 28 days by crushing field test cubes or cylinders made from the representative concrete used for the structure. The utility of ascertaining strength after 28 days is often questioned since by this time considerable concrete would have been placed and work may have progressed. It is then rather too late for remedial measures. It is therefore of tremendous advantage to predict 28 days strength within a few hours of casting the concrete so that we have a good idea about the strength of the concrete.

The rate of gain of strength of concrete depends on the reaction rate of cement and additions with water (Hydration). In common with all chemical reactions the rate of reaction depends on reaction of temp. Higher reaction temperature gives higher rate of reaction e.g. the concrete gains strength more rapidly when its temp. is higher. Accelerated curing is the process by which the temperature of the concrete is raised artificially by applying external heat to speed up the rate of gain in strength.

The test method covers procedures for curing test specimens of concrete stored under conditions intended to accelerate the development of strength. The procedures are: Procedure A- Warm Water Method Procedure B-Boiling Water Method