A Review on Self Curing Concrete

Curing of concrete maintains satisfactory moisture content in concrete in its early stages so as to develop desired properties. Self-cured concrete is one type of concrete, which cure itself by retaining water (moisture content) in it. The self-curing process of concrete takes place from inside to outside, which reduces the autogenous shrinkage and self-desiccation. It is mainly practiced in areas where there is an acute shortage of water and the application of water curing becomes costly. To overcome certain difficulties faced in curing, researchers developed a concrete called Self cured concrete. Some chemicals were used to achieve this curing. A survey of literature was done regarding the works done so far in the area of self-cured concrete. It was found out that various chemical admixtures such as Poly Ethylene Glycol (PEG), Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP), Poly Vinyl Acryl (PVA), Sodium Lignosulphonate and naturally available materials like Light Weight Aggregates, Light Expanded Clay Aggregate, wood powder and coco pith were used to produce self-cured concrete. Studies on the mechanical properties and durability of self-curing concrete were made and compared with conventional air-cured concrete, where the mechanical properties were found to be either enhanced or compromised due to the dual function of self-curing agents.