Effects of the curing methods on the process of plastic shrinkage of self-compacting concrete in Vietnam

This paper presents the experimental results of researching on plastic shrinkage (plastic deformation) and the effect of curing methods on the process of plastic shrinkage at the early stages when self-compacting concrete (SCC) starts setting and develops the strength. The experiments were carried out in two typical climatic conditions in Vietnam which are humid and dry. The experiments were conducted with two typical water/powder ratios of 0.3 and 0.35 and four cases of curing methods which are nylon membrane, watering, no-curing and soaking in water (the standard condition). Besides, the influences of plastic shrinkage at the early stages on strength development and occurrence of surface cracking of SCC were also investigated. The conclusions were drawn about the plastic deformation process and the curing method that might minimize plastic shrinkage of SCC, control surface cracking early, and ensure the quality and strength of SCC in the hot and humid climatic condition of Vietnam. Keywords: plastic shrinkage; self-compacting concrete; hot and humid climate; hardening process.