Effect of Different Curing Conditions on the Mechanical and Microstructural Properties of Normal Strength Concrete

Volume 12 , Issue 3 , June 2026 , Pages 86-104

Authors

Dilan Latif AbuBakir 1 ; Prof. Dr. Serwan Khorshid Rafiq AlZahawi 1

1 University of Sulaimani , College of Engineering , Civil Eng. Department ,KR, Iraq

DOI logo 10.17656/sjes.10218

Keywords

Abstract

The performance of normal strength concrete (NSC) is strongly governed by curing quality, particularly during the early hydration period. This study investigates the effect of curing conditions and curing compounds on concrete grades of 25, 35, and 45 MPa. A total of 630 specimens were prepared and subjected to standard water curing, laboratory and outdoor exposure, and three commercially available curing compounds: Acrylic Resin (CC1), Water-Acrylic Polymer (CC2), and Paraffin Wax (CC3). To reflect realistic site practices, curing was applied immediately as well as after 1- and 2-day delays. Compressive strength was evaluated at 7, 28, and 90 days, while flexural strength was measured at 28 days. The results demonstrate that curing conditions exert a decisive and lasting influence on strength development. CC2 exhibited performance closest to standard water curing, achieving 90–98% of the benchmark compressive strength at 90 days. In contrast, CC1 and CC3 caused significant and irreversible strength reductions ranging from 30% to 50% across all grades. Delayed standard water curing resulted in only moderate losses, whereas delayed application of CC1 and CC3 substantially amplified strength deterioration. Flexural behavior revealed a different trend: applying CC2 after a 2-day delay enhanced tensile performance, producing up to 23% higher strength than the standard benchmark for the 45 MPa mix. These findings highlight the critical role of curing compound selection and application timing in ensuring long-term structural performance. This study evaluates the compressive and flexural strengths of concrete grades 25, 35, and 45 MPa under various curing conditions over 90 days. Using Standard Water Curing as the benchmark, three compounds were tested: Acrylic Resin (CC1), Water-Acrylic Polymer (CC2), and Paraffin Wax (CC3). Results show that CC2 (Water-Acrylic Polymer) is the superior chemical alternative, consistently reaching 90-98% of the standard benchmark’s compressive strength. In contrast, CC1 and CC3 caused significant strength declines of 30-50%, which did not recover by 90 days.For flexural strength at 28 days, a unique trend emerged: while immediate curing is best for compression, a 2-day delay combined with CC2 resulted in a strength incline (increase) of up to 23% over the standard benchmark. The research concludes that CC2 is a highly reliable field substitute for traditional curing, whereas CC1 and CC3 are insufficient

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