Experimental investigation on strength properties of self curing concrete using polyethylene glycol-600

The strength and durability of concrete depends on the curing of concrete. The use of shrinkage reduces admixtures such as polyethylene glycol, poly vinyl alcohol etc., influence on the hydration property and the strength of concrete. Any negligence in curing will interfere in the strength and durability of concrete. Self-curing concrete (SCC) is gaining importance in recent days as it avoids errors which were caused by human, structures which are not accessible, terrains where curing becomes difficult and in places where the fluoride content badly influences the property of concrete. This kind of curing technique can widely be practiced in places where there is scarcity of water. In this research paper M20 grade of concrete was chosen and the shrinkage reducing admixture polyethylene glycol (PEG-600) was varied in different proportions to concrete. Polyethylene glycol is non-toxic, odorless, neutral, lubricating, non-volatile and non-irritating and is used in a variety of pharmaceuticals. Cubes and cylinder were casted with varying percentage of PEG-600 of 0.5%, 1%, 1.5% and 2%. The compressive strength at 3 days, 7daysand 28 days have been obtained with normal curing and self curing condition. It was found that a compressive strength of 37.77MPa and split tensile strength 12.88MPa for 1% of PEG-600 was obtained at the end of 28 days. These results are very much comparable to the compressive strength and split tensile strength of conventional concrete. Hence SCC shows a proves to be a better options in places were scarcity of water.