Effects of limited initial curing durations on mechanical properties of concrete

Mechanical properties (compressive and split tensile strength, sorptivity and coefficient of water absorption) of concrete cube specimens cured in water and ambient air (uncured) for 3, 7, 14, 28 and 90 days were determined. Compressive and split tensile strength properties of concrete specimens that were initially water cured for limited durations of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 28 days and subsequently air cured were also determined at 28 and 90 days. The results show that water cured specimens had better mechanical properties than uncured specimens; however maximum compressive strength was recorded for specimens that were initially water cured for only 4 days and then tested at the age of 28 and 90 days.   Key words: Curing, compressive strength, hydration, concrete.