© 2017 JETIR January 2017, Volume 4, Issue 1 www.jetir.

org (ISSN-2349-5162)

Standard codes of practice for Accelerated Curing

of Concrete
Jayant Damodar Supe* & Dr. M.K.Gupta**
*Associate Professor , Dept of Civil Engg. RCET, Bhilai.
**Hod Civil, BIT Durg

Abstract –
The building construction technology is as old as human civilization. Several types of building construction
materials were used in ancient times such as e.g. wood , stone, bricks, iron , lime , cement etc. With
introduction of concrete technology the use of above materials and labour in any building construction is
subdivided as 16% stone in foundation, 22% bricks in superstructure, 16% iron reinforcement in concrete in
columns and roof slab, 10% wood in doors and windows, 16% use of other materials in flooring and
remaining parts of buildings and 30% labour cost. With advent of concrete technology use of concrete in-situ
is widely increased across the world. Therefore researches were carried out to set standard code of practice to
facilitate the users for executing safe and durable construction works. Every nation therefore made standard
codes of practice to be followed by civil engineers. Strength of concrete in-situ is gained over period of 28
days depending upon the method of curing followed. It is found that warm water curing results into high
strength of concrete at early stages , and maximum strength is achieved in 28 days. In this paper comparative
study of codes followed by ASTM C 684 – 99, BS 1881:Part112:1983. and I.S 9013-1978, for making,
curing and determining the compressive strength of accelerated cured concrete of test specimens is discussed.
Recently green building concept has been introduced. The specification for green building concrete in-situ
demands that the materials used in construction must be economical (energy saving in mining), eco-friendly
(Control of CO2 level to make living pleasant) time saving (rapidity in construction). The existing concrete
code does not provide specifications for green building concrete materials. Therefore authors carried out
further study to know the behavior of concrete when demolished waste concrete of buildings is used as coarse
aggregate. Determination of early age strength of concrete is useful in determining compressive strength of
concrete in construction of heavy structures such as multi-storey buildings , dams , bridges etc, where
maximum load is in vertical direction also there is need of determination of early tensile strength of concrete
in case of concrete road pavements. Hence suitability of different methods of accelerated curing is being
studied which can be implicated at site without much skilled labour and heavy instruments.
Key words- Accelerated curing; Compressive strength; Standard Code of practice for concrete.

Introduction –
ASTM AMERICAN CODE Designation: C 684 – 99
1.1 American code covers four procedures for making, curing, and testing specimens of concrete stored under
conditions intended to accelerate the development of strength. The four procedures are: Procedure A—Warm
Water Method, Procedure B—Boiling Water Method, Procedure C—Autogenous Curing Method, and
Procedure D—High, Temperature and Pressure Method.

Concrete specimens are exposed to accelerated curing conditions that permit the specimens to develop a
significant portion of their ultimate strength within a time period ranging from 5 to 49 hrs, depending upon the
procedure that is used. Procedures A and B utilize storage of specimens in heated water at elevated curing
temperatures without moisture loss. The primary function of the moderately heated water used in Procedure A
is to serve as insulation to conserve the heat generated by hydration. The temperature level employed in
Procedure B provides thermal acceleration. Procedure C involves storage of specimens in insulated curing
containers in which the elevated curing temperature is obtained from heat of hydration of the cement. The
sealed containers also prevent moisture loss. Procedure D involves simultaneous application of elevated
temperature and pressure to the concrete using special containers. Sampling and testing procedures are the
same as for normally cured specimens .
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1.2 BS 1881 : Part 112 : 1983

British Standard describes the methods of accelerated curing of concrete test cubes at 35ºC, 55ºC and 82ºC.
Strength test results from cubes that have been subjected to accelerated curing can be used for control
purposes and it is also possible to use a regime of accelerated strength testing to judge compliance. In
addition, the strength of normally cured concrete at later ages can be predicted by the use of correlations
appropriate to the method, materials and mix used. While the 35ºC method is the simplest and most
convenient of the three, the correlations for a range of different concretes may be somewhat more widely
dispersed than for the 55ºC and 82ºC methods. Experience of accelerated curing of concrete has largely been
gained from cubes made with ordinary or rapid hardening Portland cement and without admixtures. If other
mixes are used caution is required when interpreting accelerated strength test results.

1.3 IS: 9013-1978

Traditionally, concrete quality in construction works is calculated by its 28 days compressive strength. This
procedure requires 28 days of moist curing before testing, which is too long a period to be of any value for
either concrete construction control or applying timely corrective measures. If after 28 days the quality of
concrete is found to be dubious, it would have considerably hardened by that time and also might have been
buried by subsequent construction. Thus replacement of the concrete mass of questionable attributes becomes
very difficult and often impractical. On the other hand, if the concrete is found to possess of excessive
strength than required, it would be too late to prevent wasteful use of cement on uneconomical mix
proportioning. Hence, standard 28 days cube testing of concrete is not feasible for quality control.
This standard lays down the method for making, curing and testing in compression, specimens of concrete
stored under conditions intended to accelerate the development of strength.
Two methods of accelerated curing have been covered in this standard are as follows :
a) Warm-water method, and
b) Boiling-water method.

EXPERIMENTAL SET UP AND SAMPLES TEST PROCEDURE:

2.1 AMERICAN CODE Designation: C 684 – 99
Equipment and small tools for fabricating specimens, measuring slump, and determining air content shall
conform to Practice C 31/C 31M.
Moulds: Cylinder moulds for test specimens used in Procedures A, B, and C shall conform to Specification
C470. Paper molds are excluded. When specimens are to be tested without capping, use only reusable molds
with machined end plates that can be securely connected to both top and bottom of the mold. The end plates
shall produce specimens with bearing surfaces that are plane within 0.05 mm (0.002 in.) and whose ends do
not depart from perpendicularity to the axis of the cylinder by more than 0.5° (approximately equivalent to 10
mm/m (1 ⁄8 in. in 12 in.). When assembled, the mold assembly is sufficiently tight to permit the filled mold to
be turned from the vertical filling position to a horizontal curing position without loss of mortar or damage to
the test specimen.
Cylinder molds for Procedure D shall conform to the following: Made of stainless steel,
Equipped with removable top and bottom metal plugs and O-ring seals, Equipped with a heating element
capable of raising the concrete temperature within the mold to 150±3°C(300 ± 5°F) within 30±5 min, and are
capable of maintaining this temperature throughout the time required by the test procedure, Equipped with
devices to measure the temperature within each mold to ascertain that the temperature of the concrete satisfies
the temperature requirements stated herein, and equipped with a companion loading component capable of
maintaining a pressure of 10.3 MPa ± 0.2 MPa (1500 ± 25 psi) on the concrete during the curing period.

Curing Apparatus: Accelerated Curing Tank for Procedures A and B:

The tank is of any configuration suitable for the number of cylinders to be tested. Arrange the cylinders in any
configuration that provides a clearance of at least 50 mm (2 in.) between the side of each cylinder and the side
of the tank, and at least 100 mm (4 in.) between adjacent cylinders. Maintain the water level at least 100 mm
(4 in.) above the tops of the cylinders.
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Fig. (1) – Test Apparatus ASTM

2.2 BS 1881 : Part 112 : 1983

Cover plate. A rigid plate, such as a base plate, to cover each mould to isolate the concrete from the water of
the curing tank. The material for this cover plate shall be such that it does not react with the concrete or the
mould.
Curing tank. A curing tank constructed from any material which is of adequate strength and corrosion
resistant, provided with a lid and instruments for continuous recording of the water temperature. The internal
dimensions of the tank shall be appropriate for the number and size of the test specimens to be accommodated,
shall permit adequate circulation of the water and shall be such that the specimens can be removed easily. In
order to provide adequate circulation of the water there shall be at least 30 mm of water above, below and
around each specimen and in addition the specimens shall be at least 30 mm above the heating element. The
curing tank shall be capable of holding sufficient water and of being controlled so that the temperature of the
water at any point within the tank is maintained at 35 ± 2ºC at all times.
Thermometer, suitable for measuring maximum and minimum curing temperatures. Temperature recorder.
Recording thermograph and probe or similar arrangement fitted in the curing tank to provide a continuous
record of the temperature in the curing tank for the whole of the curing cycle.
Making test cubes. Make the test cubes by the method described in BS 1881 : Part 108. Finish the upper
surface of the concrete level with the top of the mould and then wipe the mould clean.
Procedure : Thinly coat the cover plate with release agent to prevent adhesion of the concrete and place it in
position to form a watertight seal: then immediately lower the specimens gently into the filled curing tank,
ensuring that they are adequately spaced. Totally immerse the specimens for a period of 24h±15min,
continuously recording the water temperature which shall be maintained at 35±2ºC at all times except for a
period not exceeding 15 min immediately after immersion of the specimens. Remove the specimens from the
curing tank, de-mould the cubes and clearly and indelibly mark each one with an identification number or
code. Testing of the cubes is done as soon as possible after removal from the curing tank.

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Fig.(2) – Test Apparatus B.S.

2.3 IS : 516-1959.
Mould Cover Plate - Each mould shall be provided with a flat steel cover plate, rigid enough so as to avoid
distortion during use and of dimensions such that the plate completely covers the top edge of the mould.
Curing Tank
The curing tank shall be constructed from any material of suitable strength that will resist the effects of
corrosion. The internal dimensions of the tank shall be adequate to accommodate the required number and size
of the test specimens such that test specimens can be easily removed.
The tank shall contain sufficient water and be controlled so that the temperature of the water around the
specimens immersed in the tank is maintained at the desired level at all times except for a period not
exceeding 15 minutes immediately after the immersion of a freshly made specimen into the tank. A typical
diagrammatic layout of a tank suitable for accelerated curing of test specimens is given in Fig.(3)

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Fig. (3). Test Apparatus I.S.

PREPARATION OF TEST SPECIMENS
The preparation of test specimen including sampling of materials, preparation of materials, proportioning,
weighing, mixing, testing for workability, choice of the size of test specimens, compacting, and capping of
specimen shall be in accordance with IS: 516-1959*, if tests are intended to draw correlation curve between
the results from compressive strength tests on specimens cured by normal curing method and accelerated
curing method.
If the tests are intended for control purposes, sampling shall be done in accordance with IS : 1199-1959 and
choice of the size of test specimens, compacting and capping of specimen shall be in accordance with IS:516-
1959. Immediately after moulding, each specimen shall be covered with a steel plate thinly coated with mould
oil to prevent adhesion of concrete.

ACCELERATED CURING BY WARM WATER METHOD

After the specimens have been made, they shall be left to stand undisturbed in their moulds in a place free
from vibration at a temperature of 27±2°C for at least one hour, prior to immersion in the curing tank. The
time between the addition of water to the ingredients and immersion of the test specimens in the during tank
shall be at least 14 hours but shall not exceed 34 hours.
The specimens in their moulds shall be gently lowered into the curing tank and shall remain totally immersed
at 55 ± 2°C for a period of not less than 19 hours 50 minutes. The specimens shall then be removed from the
water, marked for identification, removed from the mould and immersed in the cooling tank at 27 ± 2°C
before the completion of 20 hours 10 minutes from the start of immersion in the curing tank. They shall
remain in the cooling tank for a period of not less than one hour.

ACCELERATED CURING BY BOILING WATER METHOD

After the specimens have been made, they shall be stored in a place free from vibration, in moist air of at least
90 percent relative humidity and at a temperature of 27±2°C for 23 hours ± 15 minute from the time of
addition of water to the ingredients.
The specimens shall then be gently lowered into the curing tank and shall remain totally immersed for a
period of 3½ hours ± 5 minutes. The temperature of the water in the curing tank shall be at boiling (100°C) at
sea level. The temperature of water shall not drop more than 3°C after the specimens are placed and shall
return to boiling within 15 minutes.
After curing for 3½hours±5 minutes in the curing tank, the specimen shall be removed from the boiling water,
removed from the moulds and cooled by immersing in cooling tank at 27±2°C for 2h.
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TESTING
The specimens shall be tested in accordance with IS : 516-1959.
In the warm water method specimens shall be tested while still wet, not more than 2 hours from the time of
immersion in the cooling tank.
In the boiling water method, the age at the time of test shall be 28½ hours ± 20 minutes.
3.1 Test Results and Report- ASTM
TABLE 1 Characteristics of Accelerated Curing Procedures
Source of Accelerated Age Duration of
Procedure Molds Strength Curing Accelerated Accelerated Age at
Acceleration Temperature Curing Curing Testing
°C (°F) Begins
immediately
A Warm Water reusable or heat of 35 (95) after 23.5 h ± 30 24 h ± 15
single-use hydration casting min min
23 h ± 30
B Boiling Water reusable or boiling Boiling(1000C) min after 3.5 h ± 5 28.5 h ±
single-use water casting min 15 min
initial concrete
heat of temperature immediately 48 h ± 15 49 h ± 15
C Autogenous single-use hydration augmented by after min min
heat of casting
hydration
High- external heat immediately 5.25 h ±
D Temperature reusable and 150 (300) after 5 h ± 5 min 5 minA
and Pressure pressure casting

3.2 Test Results and Report - B.S.

General. The report shall affirm that the cubes were cured in accordance with this Part of this British
Standard. The report shall state whether or not a certificate of sampling and specimen preparation is available.
If available, a copy of the certificate shall be provided.
Information to be included in the report
Mandatory information. The following information shall be included in the test report:
(a) identification number or codes of specimens:
(b) method of curing (35 ºC, 55 ºC or 82 ºC method);
(c) maximum and minimum curing temperatures;
(d) certificate that curing has been carried out in accordance with this Part of this standard.
Optional information. If requested the following information shall be included in the test report:
(a) time of adding water to the other materials in the concrete mix;
(b) time of making cubes;
(c) time of immersion of cubes into curing tank;
(d) time of removal of cubes from curing tank;
(e) time when cubes placed in and removed from cooling tank (55 ºC method only);
(f) temperature record during curing.

3.3 Test Results and Report- I.S.

The calculation of compressive strength shall be done in accordance with IS : 516- 1959.
The following information shall be included in the report on each test specimen:
1 Identification mark (including the size and type) of test specimens and date of casting;
2 Date and time of test and age of specimen;
3 Particulars of concrete from which test specimen was made;
4 Method of compaction;
5 Size of specimen;
6 Mass of specimen;
7 Defects, if any, in specimen;
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8 Time of adding water to concrete materials;

9 Time of making test specimen;
10 Time of immersion of test specimen into curing tank;
11 Time of removal of test specimen from curing tank;
12Time of immersion of test specimen into cooling tank;
13 Time of removal of test specimen from cooling tank;
14 Thermo graphic record of temperature of water in curing tank;
15 Maximum load at crushing;
16 Compressive strength; and
17 Description of fractured face.

4. Conclusion-
Following conclusions have been drawn:
1.Curing of concrete is very important for the durability of structure. It also controls the compressive strength
desired for design conditions of structure. In this review paper it has been found that there are various methods
of curing which can be applied for determining compressive strength at initial stages after casting so that
quality of concrete can be monitored. Many researchers have developed different methods & formulae which
can be applied for predicting early gain of strength in short duration, i,e. 28 days compressive strength can be
achieved in 7 to 14 days even more earlier. Much research work is to be done in this field regarding economy
of the test and also on the simplicity, so that expenses on testing instruments and experimental setup can be
curtailed and monitoring of the concrete strength gain be done economically.
2.Boiling water curing technique is useful in the prefabrication industry, wherein high early age strength
enables the removal of the formwork within 24 hours, thereby reducing the cycle time, resulting in cost-saving
benefits. Early gain in strength can be explained due to heightened temperatures in curing , the hydration
process moves more rapidly and the formation of the Calcium Silicate Hydrate crystals is more rapid. The
formation of the gel and colloid is more rapid and the rate of diffusion of the gel is also higher. The reaction
being more rapid hence resulting in early gain in strength of concrete .
It has been found after 1st day of casting, concrete gains 16% of its maximum strength but due to different
weather conditions the % strength may vary in colder or in hotter climate as hydration process is affected due
to weather temperature, also it will be too early to perform testing after 1st day normal concrete curing . After
3 days concrete gains 40% of its max strength , but 3 days will be too late for taking decision about quality of
concrete . So, it has been found boiling water curing technique is simple in which accelerated curing is to be
done at constant temperature of 1000C for 3.5 h ± 5 min after 23 h ± 30 min after casting. BWT can be employed
any where without much skill supervision. Equipments and labour required are also cheap and testing
arrangement can be done in-situ.
3.Accelerated curing gives initial higher values of compressive strength over normal curing
method..Therefore it is useful in taking decision about the quality of concrete work well in advance.
Concrete of OPC with different mix proportions and different water cement ratios , gains approx 80% of its 28
days strength by normal curing on 1st day by accelerated curing.
Concrete of PSC Cement with different mix proportions and different water cement ratios , gains approx 55%
of its 28 days strength by normal curing on 1st day by accelerated curing.
Concrete of PPC Cement with different mix proportions and different water cement ratios, gains approx 50%
of its 28 days strength by normal curing on 1st day by accelerated curing.
4. Early flexural strength of concrete can also be determined on concrete as tensile load is applied in case of
concrete road pavements.

References –
1 IRC “Guide lines for the design of flexible pavements” , IRC: 37-1970, Indian Roads Congress.
2 British Standard Testing concrete Part 112. “Methods of accelerated curing of test cubes”. BS 1881 : Part
112 : 1983
3 Indian Standard “METHOD OF MAKING , CURING AND DETERMINING COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH
OF ACCELERATED-CURED CONCRETE TEST SPECIMENS”. IS:9013 – 1978.

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4 ASTM AMERICAN CODE Designation: C684–99 “Standard Test Method for Making, Accelerated Curing,
and Testing Concrete Compression Test Specimens” .
5.“PREDICTIVE MODEL OF COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH FOR CONCRETE IN-SITU” , Jayant Supe &
Dr. M.K.Gupta, IJSCER , Vol-3, No-1, 2014 , Pages 90-102.
6.“Suitability of demolished concrete waste in modern construction & its 28th day strength prediction”, Jayant
Supe & Dr. M.K.Gupta , IJCSEIERD Vol. 4, Issue 4, Aug 2014, 75-86
7.“Role of heat of hydration in attaining early strength gain of cement in concrete” , Supe J & Dr.Gupta MK ,
IJPRET, 2014; Volume 3 (2): 94-106 .
8. http://theconstructor.org/concrete/why-we-test-concrete-srtrength-after-28-days/6060 .

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