Long-term strength development of concrete in arid conditions

A long-term investigation into the development of the compressive strength of various concretes, subjected to Kuwait hot and arid environmental conditions is reported. The main parameters investigated included, w/c ratio, cement type and content, and admixture type and its dosage. Other parameters investigated included the effects of using different water curing periods, curing compounds, and casting season. Forty-seven different mixes were placed on the roof of the laboratory building and were exposed to the environment. Compression tests on 100 mm cubes were carried out over a period in excess of five years. The results generally showed that the compressive strength of the concrete increased with age. The gain in strength at 1800 days above that at 28 days varied considerably depending on the concrete constituents and curing procedure. Concretes made with white Portland cement achieved higher compressive strengths than those made with ordinary or sulphate resisting Portland cements. Also, the type and dosage of admixture influenced the compressive strength of concrete. An increase in the water-curing period was more effective in improving the 28-day compressive strength than the 1800-day strength. The use of curing compounds or silica fume appeared to influence the early age strength more than the long-term strength. Compression test results from selected mixes at the age of 10 years indicated that there was little or no increase in strength during the previous five years.