Evaluation of Pavement Curing Effectiveness and Curing Effects on Concrete Properties

Abstract

This research was conducted to understand the effects of curing compounds and their application methods on concrete properties. In the research, three different curing compounds were selected and applied to lab and field concrete at different times. The curing compounds were applied with two methods—single- and double-layer sprays. Moisture content, electrical conductivity, sorptivity, and strength tests were performed to investigate the effects of curing on concrete properties, especially on the near-surface layer concrete properties. The experimental results indicated that for pavement without curing compound, the properties of the near-surface layer were considerably different from those of the internal layers. By decreasing the differences between the layers through proper curing technique, a pavement would have more uniform properties throughout its depth. Based on the results, the test methods for quantifying concrete curing effectiveness were also evaluated.