Influencia en la resistencia final de elementos de hormigón de geometría variable sometidos a diferentes condiciones de curado

Abstract

Concrete at an early age is exposed to environmental factors that cause the loss of humidity and temperature necessary to acquire the desired physical and mechanical properties, affecting its resistance. The main objective of the project was to analyze the influence on the final resistence of concrete in three types of elements: cylinders, beams and slabs, exposed to different curing conditions. A standard dosage of approximately 240 kg / cm2 was defined and 12 samples of each concrete element were made. The first curing process was carried out in a laboratory pool following the specifications of the regulations (submersion). In the other two processes, the elements were exposed to extreme wind and temperature conditions, respectively. Lastly, the use of a curator (antisol) was applied and done on site. Destructive and non-destructive tests were used on the different elements of concrete. The non-destructive tests applied were ultrasound and electrical resistivity, which indicated concrete quality parameters. In the destructive test, tests of compressive strength in cylinders, tensile strength in beams, and slabs were performed. Concrete specimens were tested at 7, 14 and 28 days of curing. The greatest resistance at 28 days of curing in the cylinders was presented in the elements cured in the laboratory, reaching resistance of 257 kg / cm2. In the elements where the use of the curator was applied, there was a 10% reduction compared to submersion curing. The most noticeable condition, with respect to the final resistance, occurred both in conditions of exposure to wind and in exposures at low temperatures-wind, presenting a reduction of 27% and 31%, respectively. This reduction is due to the loss of moisture that causes different environmental conditions to which the elements are exposed. In the beams and slabs, as well as in the cylinders, the most unfavorable condition was presented when the elements were exposed to low temperature-wind areas. The 28-day resistance reduction was 31% in relation to those cured in the laboratory. With the results obtained, the direct relationship between the final strength of the concrete and the curing of the concrete was corroborated. It is very important to take into account the environmental conditions presented in order to carry out a correct curing process, achieve the desired properties, and meet the specified design parameters.