Indian Journal of Science and Technology

Abstract

Background/Objectives: To develop a self-curing concrete economically. Methods: To make self-curing concrete, natural and chemical admixture were used; samples were cured in room temperature (15-20°c) and outdoor condition (30-35°c). Firstly, samples were divided into fourteen trials with different percentage of wood powder 2%, 4%, 6%, 7% and 8% and polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG400) 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, 2.5%. Finally, 6% wood powder was found as optimum trial and again made trials of constant percentage of wood powder (6%) with different combinations of PEG400 (0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2% and 2.5%) in room and outdoor temperature. The specimens were cured for 7 and 28 days. Findings: The results show that the uses of wood powder and PEG400 have positive effect on mechanical properties of concrete compared with conventional concrete. Improvements/Applications: A mix of 6% wood powder with 1.5% polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG400) is found optimum and economical for M30 grade of concrete in room temperature but for having a good strength of grade M30 of concrete considering economical point for outdoor temperature a mix of 6% wood powder with 2.5% polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG400) can be effective and optimum.

Keywords: Outdoor Temperature, Polyethylene Glycol-400, Room Temperature, Self-Curing Concrete, Wood Powder