Effect of Curing Method on Material Properties of Very- Early-Strength Latex-Modified Concrete Used in Partial- Depth Repair

In this study, an optimal curing method was established for veryearly-strength latex-modified concrete (VES-LMC), which is frequently used in partial-depth repair (PDR) of deteriorated concrete pavements. The appropriate starting time of curing, when the surface of the VES-LMC was not damaged, was found for various curing conditions such as ambient air, polyethylene (PE) sheet, blanket, curing membrane, PE sheet on curing membrane, and blanket on curing membrane. The hydration characteristics of the VES-LMC and ordinary portland cement concrete (OPCC) were then compared by evaluating their respective properties such as water loss, bleeding, autogenous shrinkage, and compressive strength. In addition, the optimal curing method was investigated by determining the water loss, water absorption, drying shrinkage, and compressive strength of the VES-LMC specimens cured under the aforementioned conditions. The test results revealed that VES-LMC performed better than OPCC as a PDR material. In addition, covering the VES-LMC with a PE sheet 3 minutes after placement was observed to be the most effective curing method in PDR. Keywords: concrete pavement; curing condition; drying shrinkage; partial-depth repair (PDF); very-early-strength latex-modified concrete (VES-LMC); water loss.