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Influence of moisture losses at early ages on concrete cover quality: a numerical approach



Author(s): M. Azenha, R. Faria, K. Maekawa
Paper category: Workshop
Book title: International RILEM Workshop on Integral Service Life Modelling of Concrete Structures
Editor(s): R.M. Ferreira, J. Gulikers, C. Andrade
Print ISBN: 978-2-35158-058-5
e-ISBN: 978-2-35158-090-5
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Pages: 123 - 130
Total Pages: 8
Language: English


Abstract: 
In terms of durability the performance of a concrete structure is known to be strongly affected by the curing measures undertaken at early ages, as moisture losses from the surface of concrete while cement hydration is still underway may hinder the inherent chemical reactions, leading to a coarser material pore structure than that which would be attained if water losses were prevented. Therefore, definition of the time for finishing curing procedures assumes paramount importance for the durability of a concrete structure. In this paper a criterion is put forward for timing such curing procedures, based on numerical predictions of the heat and moisture fields inside concrete, as well as on using the percolation threshold concept. In view of such aim a set of numerical simulations is presented, and validated through comparison with experiments of moisture losses at early ages under arbitrary environmental conditions (in terms of temperature, relative humidity and wind speed), as well as with tests regarding the degree of hydration and porosity of cement pastes hydrated under variable humidity conditions.

Keywords: concrete; early age; curing; numerical modelling


Online publication: 2013
Publication Type: full_text
Public price (Euros): 0.00


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