Compressive Strength of Portland Blast Furnace Slag Cement Concrete in Adiabatic and Semi-Temperature Matched Curing Conditions

Abstract

Various grades of portland blast furnace slag cement (PBFC) and normal portland cement (OPC) concrete have been cured under adiabatic and semi-temperature matched curing conditions. Comparisons of the compressive strength between adiabatic, semi-temperature matched and ambient cured concrete have been made. The results indicated that the curing history had significant influence on the compressive strength development and the in-situ early strength of PBFC concrete is comparable to the same grade of OPC concrete after three days. The high curing temperature (above 65 degrees C) reduced the later-age strength both for PBFC and OPC. The durability of the concrete cured under various conditions was also evaluated by rapid chloride permeability test.