Author

Mohamed Afifi

Abstract

Concrete curing is of paramount importance in order for concrete to meet performance requirements. Conventionally, curing has been conducted by means of water sparkling, wet burlap or a curing compound. For performance and environmental reasons, internal curing has been gaining increased attention. However, more data is needed for the effectiveness of this curing technique when used in various concrete mixtures. This investigation addresses potential utilization of internal curing in high performance concrete (HPC). Internal curing was introduced by means of three aggregates: perlite, pumice and recycled aggregates; all of which were incorporated into HPC mixtures. Conventional mixtures were prepared and were thoroughly cured either by water or by a curing compound or left non-cured. Fresh concrete and Hardened concrete properties were assessed including slump, unit weight, compressive and flexural strength, and durability tests as shrinkage assessment, rapid chloride permeability test (RCPT) and abrasion resistance. Experimental work is backed up with a simplified feasibility analysis with case study, incorporating initial and future costs to better judge potential of this technique. The outcome of this study uncovers that the addition of pre-wetted lightweight aggregates can prompt an enhancement in concrete workability and durability accompanied by a reduced shrinkage. Compressive and flexural strengths decreased with the increased replacement dosages, however several dosages were tested to reach a figure of optimum replacement. Results of this study reveal the potential of this technology in saving fresh water as well as the costs saved in maintenance and rehabilitation works.

Department

Construction Engineering Department

Degree Name

MS in Construction Engineering

Graduation Date

6-1-2016

Submission Date

May 2016

First Advisor

Abou-Zeid, Mohamed Nagib

Committee Member 1

Salama, Amr Ezzat

Committee Member 2

Bahnsawy, Heba Hamed

Extent

121 p.

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Rights

The author retains all rights with regard to copyright. The author certifies that written permission from the owner(s) of third-party copyrighted matter included in the thesis, dissertation, paper, or record of study has been obtained. The author further certifies that IRB approval has been obtained for this thesis, or that IRB approval is not necessary for this thesis. Insofar as this thesis, dissertation, paper, or record of study is an educational record as defined in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 USC 1232g), the author has granted consent to disclosure of it to anyone who requests a copy.

Institutional Review Board (IRB) Approval

Approval has been obtained for this item

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