ACI SP-256

Co-sponsored by ACI Committees 236, Material Science of Concrete, and 231, Properties of Concrete at Early Ages

In the absence of adequate curing, early-age self-desiccation and consequent autogenous shrinkage may be problematic, particularly in concretes with a low water-to-cementitious material ratio. In 2003, a Federal Highway Administration survey regarding the most common distresses in high-performance concrete estimated that up to 60% of bridge decks have experienced early-age cracking, most likely due to autogenous shrinkage. Internal curing has been proposed as a potential technique to mitigate autogenous shrinkage and earlyage cracking. Internal curing is accomplished by the incorporation of water-absorptive materials in low permeability (that is, high performance) concretes, where external curing may not be sufficient to maintain saturation of the concrete member. Within the past decade, internal curing techniques have begun to move from laboratory research to field applications, with tremendous success.

The papers contained in this publication were presented at the Fall 2007 American Concrete Institute Convention in Fajardo, Puerto Rico. The two half-day technical sessions brought together engineers and material scientists from around the world to discuss laboratory research, case studies, and practical applications related to internal curing of high-performance concretes. This publication, co-sponsored by ACI Committees 236, Material Science of Concrete, and 231, Properties of Concrete at Early Ages, offers a unique state-of-the-art perspective regarding this evolving topic.

The papers contained in this publication were presented at the Fall 2007 American Concrete Institute Convention in Fajardo, Puerto Rico. The two half-day technical sessions brought together engineers and material scientists from around the world to discuss laboratory research, case studies, and practical applications related to internal curing of high-performance concretes. This publication, co-sponsored by ACI Committees 236, Material Science of Concrete, and 231, Properties of Concrete at Early Ages, offers a unique state-of-the-art perspective regarding this evolving topic.



Keywords: SP256CD

Contents: SP-256--1Autogenous Control of Autogenous Shrinkage by A. Durn-Herrera, N. Petrov, O. Bonneau, K. Khayat, and P.-C. Atcin

SP-256--2Internal Curing Study with Intermediate Lightweight Aggregate by W.A. Pyc, M.A. Caldarone, D. Broton, and D. Reeves

SP-256--3Pre-soaked Lightweight Fine Aggregates as Additives for Internal Curing in Concreteby Y. Wei and W. Hansen

SP-256--4Internal Curing--Real World Ready Mix Production and Applications: A Practical Approach to Lightweight Modified Concrete by V.H. Villarreal

SP-256--5The Influence of Internal Curing on Basic Creep and Autogenous Shrinkageby M. Lopez, L.F. Kahn, and K.E. Kurtis

SP-256--6Internal Curing of Concrete Paving: Laboratory and Field Experience by T. Friggle and D. Reeves

SP-256--7Internal Curing and Microstructure of High-Performance Mortars by D.P. Bentz and P.E. Stutzman

SP-256--8Evaluating High Absorptive Materials to Improve Internal Curing of Concreteby N. Delatte, D. Crowl, E. Mack, and J. Cleary

SP-256--9Effect of Blended Cements on Effectiveness of Internal Curing of HPCby D. Cusson