Reducing Concrete Cure Times for Bridge Substructure Components and Box Culverts

Qadri, Faisal; Garg, Nishant

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/120602 Copy

Description

Title

Reducing Concrete Cure Times for Bridge Substructure Components and Box Culverts

Author(s)

• Qadri, Faisal
• Garg, Nishant

Issue Date

2023-09

Keyword(s)

• Compressive Strength
• Acceleration
• C-S-H Seeds
• Open Porosity
• Fly Ash
• Concrete
• Electrical Resistivity
• Formation Factor

Abstract

This report investigated pathways to reduce concrete curing time while maintaining mechanical and durability performance. Among several options such as admixtures, supplementary cementitious materials, and low water-to-cement ratio, researchers explored two mix designs in a field demonstration project. For Stage I of the project, a low water-to-cement ratio concrete mixture was used. For Stage II, the use of calcium-silicate-hydrate (C-S-H) based seeds was explored. Concrete laboratory mixtures containing C-S-H seeds X1 and X2 exhibited increased early-age strength and reduced permeability. Based on these findings and the Illinois Department of Transportation acceptance of X2 as a Type S admixture, a field demonstration project was conducted on a box culvert near Armstrong, Illinois. The X2 concrete mix design was compared to a low water-to-cement ratio concrete mix design. Results showed that the X2 mixture with C-S-H seeds consistently demonstrated higher strength than the low water-to-cement concrete mixture, suggesting that seed-based admixtures can provide additional benefits for reducing curing times. The recommended dosage of X2 is 5 fl oz/cwt for optimal performance in reducing cure time.

Publisher

Illinois Center for Transportation/Illinois Department of Transportation

Has Part

• https://doi.org/10.36501/0197-9191/23-018
• ISSN: 0197-9191

Series/Report Name or Number

FHWA-ICT-23-013

Type of Resource

text

Language

en

Sponsor(s)/Grant Number(s)

IDOT-R27-213

Copyright and License Information

No restrictions. This document is available through the National Technical Information Service, Springfield, VA 22161.

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