Efficiency of curing technologies: strength and durability

The influence of various curing technologies, standard water immersion, membrane-forming liquid curing compounds and covering with wet geo-textile fabric was evaluated by determining strength development, penetrability to water and air and rates of carbonation in accelerated conditions. A variety of influences were resolved which do not necessarily correlate with strength. Most important are: (i) The sensitivity of the effect of deficient curing on penetration characteristics is much higher than that on strength, (ii) curing with wet fabric was as effective as standard water curing with respect to strength and somewhat less effective when considering penetration characteristics, (iii) the performance of curing compounds was less effective in preserving strength and penetration characteristics and (iv) compressive strength testing is not sufficiently sensitive to detect detrimental effects of deficient curing with regards to durability performance; air and water transport testing are much more effective for assessing the consequences of deficient curing.