Effect of Cement Content and Curing Period on Properties of DUT-1 Synthetic Model Ice

Abstract

The effects of cement content and curing period on a new synthetic model ice, DUT-1, are reported. The cement (450#) contents were 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15% and 16% by dry weight of mixture material. Eight different curing periods were used: 66 h, 92 h, 115 h, 139 h, 163 h, 186 h, 211 h and 235 h. Physical and mechanical properties, such as density, compressive strength, flexural strength, and elastic modulus, were determined. The density and mechanical parameters were found to increase with increasing cement content, whereas the durations of curing period under normal air temperature resulted in increasing these properties to a maximum value, then decreasing values.