A Comparative Study on the Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of Cement-Based Materials by Direct Electric Curing and Steam Curing |
| |
| Authors: | Zhihan Yang Youjun Xie Jionghuang He Fan Wang Xiaohui Zeng Kunlin Ma Guangcheng Long |
| |
| Affiliation: | School of Civil Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410075, China; (Z.Y.); (Y.X.); (J.H.); (F.W.); (X.Z.); (K.M.) |
| |
| Abstract: | Direct electric curing (EC) is a new green curing method for cement-based materials that improves the early mechanical properties via the uniform high temperature produced by Joule heating. To understand the effects of EC and steam curing (SC) on the mechanical properties and microstructure of cement-based materials, the mortar was cured at different temperature-controlled curing regimes (40 °C, 60 °C, and 80 °C). Meanwhile, the mechanical properties, hydrates and pore structures of the specimens were investigated. The energy consumption of the curing methods was compared. The results showed that the EC specimens had higher and more stable growth of mechanical strength. The hydration degree and products of EC samples were similar to that of SC samples. However, the pore structure of EC specimens was finer than that of SC specimens at different curing ages. Moreover, the energy consumption of EC was much lower than that of SC. This study provides an important technical support for the EC in the production of energy-saving and high early-strength concrete precast components. |
| |
| Keywords: | direct electric curing steam curing mechanical properties microstructure Joule heat energy consumption |
|
|
