The Influence of Ambient Temperature on High Performance Concrete Properties

Area of Science:

• Civil Engineering
• Materials Science
• Construction Science

Background:

• Concrete properties are significantly influenced by preparation and curing temperatures.
• Understanding these effects is crucial for optimizing concrete performance in diverse environmental conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of varying ambient temperatures (12°C to 40°C) on the properties of high-performance concrete (HPC).
• To evaluate fresh and hardened concrete characteristics, including workability, strength development, and durability.

Main Methods:

• Prepared and cured HPC at temperatures ranging from 12°C to 40°C.
• Assessed fresh concrete properties: consistency, air content, density using slump, flow table, and Vebe tests.
• Evaluated hardened concrete properties: density, water absorption, water penetration, compressive strength, and freeze-thaw durability.

Main Results:

• Increased curing temperature (up to 40°C) led to a significant loss of workability, evidenced by decreased slump and flow, and increased Vebe time.
• Higher curing temperatures resulted in increased early compressive strength (e.g., 18% higher at 40°C after 3 days vs. 20°C).
• Elevated temperatures reduced long-term compressive strength; after 2 years, concrete cured at 12°C was 13% stronger than that cured at 40°C.
• HPC demonstrated high freeze-thaw resistance with minimal surface scaling, irrespective of curing temperature (12°C-30°C).

Conclusions:

• Curing temperature critically affects HPC workability and strength development over time.
• While higher temperatures boost early strength, lower temperatures are preferable for long-term durability.
• HPC offers robust freeze-thaw resistance, making it suitable for various climatic conditions.