Effect of initial curing on early strength and physical properties of a lightweight concrete

A 50 MPa 28-day cube compressive strength structural Lightweight concrete of a fresh concrete density of 1800 kg/m(3) was produced using Lytag coarse and fine aggregate. The long-term strength development and the durability characteristics of this lightweight concrete are being monitored in both the severe hot and dry and hot-coastal and salt-laden exposure conditions prevalent in Kuwait. The early results of the investigation suggest that the compressive strength of this concrete is less sensitive to lack of initial curing. However, depth of water penetration, which is indicative of the concrete's permeability and hence durability, has been found to be more sensitive to the duration of initial curing even for the specimens exposed to the high-humidity seaside ambient conditions. The drying shrinkage of this concrete has been found to be more than 600 microstrain in the first 3 months' duration. Longer term durability data will be reported in due course. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd.