Application of curing compounds on concrete pavements

The concrete hardening process should take place in a manner that provides optimum hydration development, which can be achieved through proper curing practices. Since curing of concrete is essential at controlling its mechanical and durability performance during service, the aim of this research was to assess the effect of different curing compound applications on the behavior of field pavement, and thus projecting its long-term durability. The study involved experiments on cores extracted from recently constructed pavement sections in comparison to corresponding specimens produced from similar concrete under laboratory conditions. Absorption, rapid chloride penetrability, thermogravimetry, mercury intrusion porosimetry, and scanning electron microscopy tests were conducted on cores and specimens to study the effect of the different curing compound applications. The overall trends indicate that applying a thorough coat of curing compound is essential to ensure moisture retention in concrete for efficient hydration reactions and microstructural development.