APPLICATION OF SELF-CURING CONCRETE METHOD USING POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL

Abstract

In this investigation the method of self-curing of the concrete is applied using polyethylene glycol (PEG 400), with the aim of proposing a novel alternative of curing in the concrete that suppresses the traditional external curing of the concrete indicated in ASTM C31, in order to obtain expected compression resistance results, observing the development of concrete hydration processes. The experimental campaign included the production of 159 cylindrical specimens of dimensions 10x20 cm and 18 beams of dimensions 15x15x50 cm. Relationships a / c = 0.70, 0.60 and 0.45 and resistance tests at ages 7, 14 and 28 days were considered. Dosages of PEG 400 were used in 0.5%, 1% and 1.5% of the cement weight for the determination of the dosage that provides the best compression resistance results. Concrete properties were characterized such as tensile strength by diametral compression, rupture modulus, and its microscopic composition was observed using SEM scanning microscopy. Finally, it was obtained that for the age of 28 days of concrete, the dosage of 1% of the cement weight for the additive PEG 400 provides the most satisfactory results of compressive strength, diametral compression traction and rupture modulus, both for a / c = 0.70, 0.60 and 0.45.