Effects on Hydration Reactions by Different Curing Temperatures for Various Types of Cement

Cement hardens by hydration reaction. However, it is noted that cement type and curing temperature have an effect on hydration reactions. It is important to understand the effects of materials of concrete and the conditions of the construction environment in order to design concrete that satisfies the required performance such as strength and durability. Therefore, in this study, cement pastes specimens were prepared using various types of cement, curing temperatures, and curing periods. We measured the amount of bound water and organized it according to the accumulated temperature, which is indicated by temperature and time. Then, the degree of hydration was quantitatively evaluated. In order to know the effect on strength and durability, mortar specimens were made by setting the curing period at each curing temperature to achieve the same level of hydration. And we conducted compressive strength test and accelerated carbonation tests. As a result, the effects of temperature on hydration reaction, strength, and mass transfer resistance were evaluated. It was found that a lower curing temperature had a greater effect on the progress of hydration when blast-furnace cement was used. Furthermore, the trend was more significant when the content of blast furnace slag fine powder was high.