Materials 2015, 8, 5537-5553; doi:10.

3390/ma8085261

OPEN ACCESS

materials
ISSN 1996-1944
www.mdpi.com/journal/materials
Article

Early-Age Strength of Ultra-High Performance Concrete in

Various Curing Conditions
Jong-Sup Park 1 , Young Jin Kim 1 , Jeong-Rae Cho 1 and Se-Jin Jeon 2, *
1

Structural Engineering Research Institute, Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology,
Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do 411-712, Korea; E-Mails: jspark1@kict.re.kr (J.-S.P.);
yjkim@kict.re.kr (Y.J.K.); chojr@kict.re.kr (J.-R.C.)
2
Department of Civil Systems Engineering, Ajou Univeristy, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do 443-749, Korea
* Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: conc@ajou.ac.kr;
Tel.: +82-31-219-2406; Fax: +82-31-219-1613.
Academic Editor: Luciano Feo
Received: 11 July 2015 / Accepted: 7 August 2015 / Published: 24 August 2015

Abstract: The strength of Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) can be sensitively

affected by the curing method used. However, in contrast to the precast plant production
of UHPC where a standard high-temperature steam curing is available, an optimum curing
condition is rarely realized with cast-in-place UHPC. Therefore, the trend of the compressive
strength development of UHPC was experimentally investigated in this study, with a
focus on early-age strength by assuming the various curing conditions anticipated on site.
Concrete specimens were cured under different conditions with variables including curing
temperature, delay time before the initiation of curing, duration of curing, and moisture
condition. Several conditions for curing are proposed that are required when the cast-in-place
UHPC should gain a specified strength at an early age. It is expected that the practical use of
UHPC on construction sites can be expedited through this study.
Keywords: Ultra-High Performance Concrete; curing; strength; cast-in-place

1. Introduction
Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) has been one of the most active research fields of concrete
recently, because it can contribute to the longer life and economic efficiency of structures [1,2]. Recent
extensive studies carried out on UHPC have further improved the quality of high strength or high

Materials 2015, 8

5538

performance concrete [24]. While UHPC has superior mechanical properties in terms of compressive
and tensile strengths, ductility, and toughness, as well as high flowability and durability, strict quality
control is required to ensure these target standards for its production. The term UHPC usually covers
various types of cementitious composite materials developed for similar purposes. Similarly to ordinary
concrete, UHPC can be either fabricated as precast members at a plant or cast in-place at a construction
site. Apart from fully cast-in-place UHPC structures, although a precast-type UHPC structure is planned
for stable quality control and acceleration of construction [5], some components, such as the joints of
precast UHPC segments, still need to be cast in-place [6]. These cast-in-place components of a UHPC
structure can significantly affect the overall quality of the structure and construction speed, since they
are cast possibly under limited and unfavorable conditions on the site. Another important application of
cast-in-place UHPC is the rehabilitation of existing structures [1,7].
The quality of cast-in-place UHPC can be considerably affected by the mixing, placing, and curing
methods used. Some projects have been conducted to extend the use of UHPC to the field, focusing on
cast-in-place technologies [1,7,8]. One of the difficulties of casting the UHPC on site is the need for a
specially-designed mixer for UHPC that is usually used in a laboratory or a plant. As one of the strategies
to cope with this problem, a portable mixer optimized for the UHPC mixture has been developed because
the quality of the UHPC using a conventional mixer may be subject to large variation [8]. Another
important factor that affects the quality of cast-in-place UHPC is the curing method. Possible curing
methods on site may differ from those of precast UHPC segments fabricated in the ideal conditions of a
plant. Generally, in precast UHPC, a standard steam curing method is adopted to obtain rapid strength
development. However, in cast-in-place UHPC, which is the main focus of this study, curing methods
are often limited in terms of curing temperature, curing period, and moisture condition.
Several studies have focused on determining whether a specified compressive strength of UHPC can
be attained at 28 days under normal moist curing without heat treatment [1,3,7]. In some cases, however,
the specified strength needs to be obtained within an earlier age of UHPC to accelerate construction
speed. Therefore, this study presents experimental results on the characteristics of the early-age strength
development of UHPC in various curing conditions conceivable at the site. Regarding the terminology
for the early age, there is not a clear definition of how short the early age of concrete is. However,
7-day compressive strength, which was determined as the focus of this study by referring to the days
required for standard steam curing in plant production, can be regarded as the early-age strength in
comparison to 28-day strength that is usually adopted for the design purposes. Factors considered in the
experimental program include curing temperature, delay time before the initiation of curing, duration
of curing, and moisture condition. The strengths were compared with those of the specimens cured
by standard high-temperature steam. Through the analysis of the test results, several requirements for
curing are proposed that are required when the specified strength of UHPC should be attained in an early
age even though it is cast in-place.
2. Curing of UHPC
2.1. Development of K-UHPC
For the mix design of UHPC, the superior mechanical properties need to be considered, such as
strength, ductility, and toughness, in addition to the high flowability of fresh concrete and durability.

rength, ductility, and toughness, in addition to the high flowability of fresh concrete and durabilit
herefore, various mix proportions of UHPC have been proposed, so far, depending on the targ
operties. The K-UHPC developed by the Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Buildin
Materials 2015, 8
5539
echnology
is the main focus in this study [4]. Figure 1 shows the schematic composition
of K-UHP
nd Table 1 presents the specific mix proportion of the K-UHPC which is expressed as a ratio of mas
Therefore, various mix proportions of UHPC have been proposed, so far, depending on the target
he mixture
consists
cement,
silica fume,
filling
powder,
fine
aggregate,
shrinkage
reducing agen
properties.
TheofK-UHPC
developed
by the Korea
Institute
of Civil
Engineering
and Building
Technology
xpansive isagent,
superplasticizer,
steel fibers.
Coarse
aggregates
areofnot
included
in the
the main
focus in this study and
[4]. Figure
1 shows the
schematic
composition
K-UHPC
and Table
1 mixtur
presents
the specific
proportionPortland
of the K-UHPC
whichSilica
is expressed
as aused
ratio of
The mixture
he cement
in Table
1 ismix
Ordinary
cement.
fume
formass.
K-UHPC
requires th
consists of cement, silica fume, filling powder, fine
shrinkage reducing agent, expansive agent,
ecific surface
area of more than 150,000 cm2/gaggregate,
and SiO
2 content of more than 96%. The fillin
superplasticizer, and steel fibers. Coarse aggregates are not included in the mixture. The cement in
owder hasTable
the 1average
particle size of 10 m and SiO2 content
of more than 96%. Fine aggregate use
is Ordinary Portland cement. Silica fume used for
K-UHPC requires the specific surface area of
r K-UHPC
to 2 /g
silica
sand
with the diameter of less than 0.5 mm. The glycol-base
more is
thanlimited
150,000 cm
and SiO
2 content of more than 96%. The filling powder has the average particle
of 10 m
and SiO
of more
than
96%. Fine aggregateexpansive
used for K-UHPC
limited
to silica
rinkage size
reducing
agent
and
calcium
sulfa
aluminate-based
agentisare
added
to cope wi
2 content
sandconcrete;
with the diameter
of less than
mm. The glycol-based
reducing agent
and calcium
rinkage of
in particular,
the 0.5
autogenous
shrinkage shrinkage
that is induced
by self-desiccation
whe
sulfa aluminate-based expansive agent are added to cope with shrinkage of concrete; in particular, the
e water-to-binder
ratio is adjusted to be very low to attain high strength. Also, polycarboxylic acid-base
autogenous shrinkage that is induced by self-desiccation when the water-to-binder ratio is adjusted to
perplasticizer
used
to ensure
high flowability
even with
a verysuperplasticizer
low water-to-binder
ratio. The ste
be veryislow
to attain
high strength.
Also, polycarboxylic
acid-based
is used to ensure
withmm
a very
lowthe
water-to-binder
ratio. of
Themore
steel fibers
theMPa.
diameter
of length
0.2
bers havehigh
theflowability
diametereven
of 0.2
and
tensile strength
than have
2,000
The
of th
the tensile
strength
moreand
than 20
2,000
MPa.
The length of
fibers
can be chosen
among
13,
bers can mm
be and
chosen
among
13,of 16
mm
depending
onthethe
required
tensile
characteristic
16 and 20 mm depending on the required tensile characteristics. The binder in the water-to-binder ratio
he binder in the water-to-binder ratio in Table 1 indicates cement plus silica fume. The desig
in Table 1 indicates cement plus silica fume. The design recommendations for K-UHPC [4] provide
commendations
for K-UHPC
[4]material.
provide detailed information on each material.
detailed information
on each

1. Composition
of K-Ultra-HighPerformance
Performance Concrete
(K-UHPC)
(not to scale).
Figure 1.Figure
Composition
of K-Ultra-High
Concrete
(K-UHPC)
(not to scale).
Table 1. Mix proportion of K-Ultra-High Performance Concrete (K-UHPC) (ratio of mass).

Table 1. Mix proportion of K-Ultra-High Performance Concrete (K-UHPC) (ratio of mass).

Item

Value

Item

Value

Item

Value

Item
Value
Item
Value
Item
Value
Water-to-binder ratio 0.2
Filling powder
0.3
Expansive agent
Water-to-binder
ratio
0.2
Filling
powder
0.3
Expansive agent0.075
0.075
Cement
1
Fine aggregate
1.1
Superplasticizer
0.018
Cement
1
Fine aggregate
1.1
Superplasticizer
0.018
Silica fume
0.25 Shrinkage reducing agent 0.01 Steel fiber (volume fraction) 1.5%2%
Silica fume
0.25 Shrinkage reducing agent 0.01 Steel fiber (volume fraction) 1.5%2%

Materials 2015, 8

5540

The specified compressive strength, cracking strength, and tensile strength of K-UHPC are as high
as 180, 9.5 and 13 MPa, respectively. In order to ensure these target strengths, initial curing and
high-temperature steam curing are recommended in sequence [4]. The initial curing is maintained at
20 C for 1248 h, with 24 h recommended, immediately after casting. The following high-temperature
steam curing is performed at 90 C for 2472 h, typically, with 48 h recommended. It was confirmed
that strengths that exceed the specified strengths can be obtained even at an early age immediately
after curing if the above curing criteria are fulfilled. These criteria were introduced by taking into
consideration the curing of precast members. However, when the K-UHPC is cast in-place, the criteria
are barely met in many cases, as a result of the difficulty in controlling the temperature and moisture
due to the limited circumstances of the site. This study focuses on the minimum curing conditions of
cast-in-place K-UHPC (in circumstances where standard steam curing is not available on site) that are
required to ensure a similar target strength to that of precast K-UHPC at an early age. Other properties of
K-UHPC, such as shrinkage behavior, including the dominant autogenous shrinkage, were investigated
in the previous studies [9].
2.2. Previous Studies
Since the concept of concrete maturity was established by Carino et al. [10], the importance of
curing temperature and age in strength development has been generally accepted. This is the reason
why the high-temperature steam curing is preferred in a precast concrete plant. In UHPC, however,
an additional closer relationship exists between curing temperature and strength than that in normal
concrete, because most UHPC includes a large amount of silica fume due to the various advantageous
characteristics [2,11,12], such as a considerable strength increase. Silica fume is transformed to calcium
silicate hydrate by reacting with calcium hydroxide through the pozzolanic reaction. This type of reaction
tends to be substantially activated under a high temperature [2,11], which is why it is recommended for
most UHPC to be cured under a high temperature to ensure rapid strength development. On the other
hand, the moisture condition of UHPC containing silica fume should be given special attention in order to
cope with the dominant self-desiccation [1,11]. The Silica Fume Association recommends moist curing
of the concrete containing the silica fume for at least 7 days [12]. Based on these previous studies,
the control of curing temperature and moisture condition would have a crucial effect on the strength
development of cast-in-place UHPC.
However, it is usually difficult to apply an ideal curing scheme in terms of temperature and moisture
when the UHPC is cast on site, because the construction site has an inferior condition to a laboratory or a
precast concrete plant; a realistic curing scheme should, thus, be devised on site. Some researchers have
focused on determining whether the UHPC can attain the specified compressive strength at 28 days when
subjected to ambient or room temperature and sufficient moisture for a certain period [1,3]. However,
sometimes the specified strength needs to be ensured within a shorter period in order to advance the
completion date of the structure, even under inferior site conditions, as investigated in this study.
Ishii et al. [5] demonstrated that the early-age strength of the UHPC that they applied to a pedestrian
bridge was reduced from 215 to 147 MPa when the steam curing temperature was lowered from 90
to 70 C. Koh et al. [13] reported the results of 20 C curing of K-UHPC as shown in Figure 2.
It was observed that 190 MPa was attained at 91 days under moist curing, which is similar to the

Materials 2015, 8

observed that 190 MPa was attained at 91 days under moist curing, which is similar to the strength
Materials 2015, 8
5541
expected immediately after 90 C steam curing, while only 60% of 190 MPa was attained at 7 days. In
comparison, only 80% of 190 MPa was achieved
even at 91 days under a dry condition, demonstrating
strength expected immediately after 90 C steam curing, while only 60% of 190 MPa was attained at
the importance
of moistureonly
in curing.
al. achieved
[14] reported
without
7 days. In comparison,
80% ofAhlborn
190 MPaetwas
even atthat
91 the
daysstrength
under a of
dryUHPC
condition,
the 90
C steam curing
was reduced
to 69%
and 83%
of theetspecified
strengththat
at the
7 and
28 days,
demonstrating
the importance
of moisture
in curing.
Ahlborn
al. [14] reported
strength

respectively.
studied
the effect
of delay
theofsteam
curing and
concluded
of UHPCAdditionally,
without the 90they
C steam
curing
was reduced
to time
69% before
and 83%
the specified
strength
at
that 7a delay
even as longAdditionally,
as 10 or 24they
days
did not
affect
strength
after the
and 28time
days,ofrespectively.
studied
the significantly
effect of delay
time the
before
the steam
and concluded
that et
a delay
time analyzed
of even as the
longdegree
as 10 orof24hydration
days did not
significantly
steamcuring
curing.
Schachinger
al. [15]
using
nuclear affect
magnetic
the strength
after the of
steam
curing.
Schachinger
et al.temperatures
[15] analyzedranging
the degree
of 20
hydration
resonance
and strength
UHPC
in terms
of curing
from
to 90 using
C. They
nuclear
magnetic
resonance
and
strength
of
UHPC
in
terms
of
curing
temperatures
ranging
from
20
to at a
showed that the gradual increase of the degree of hydration of silica fume in the specimen cured
90 C.low
Theytemperature
showed that the
gradual
of the
degree of
hydration of by
silica
theseveral
specimenyears.
relatively
delayed
theincrease
specified
strength
development
asfume
muchin as
cured at a relatively low temperature delayed the specified strength development by as much as several
Nakayama et al. [16] also showed that the early-age strength of UHPC decreased as the curing
years. Nakayama et al. [16] also showed that the early-age strength of UHPC decreased as the curing
temperature lowered. Matsubara et al. [6] applied a heating system that can realize 40 or60 C during
temperature lowered. Matsubara et al. [6] applied a heating system that can realize 40 or 60 C during
curing of the cast-in-place joint components of a precast UHPC. The precast UHPC used attained
curing of the cast-in-place joint components of a precast UHPC. The precast UHPC used attained
180 180
MPaMPa
with
a curing temperature of 85 C and duration of 30 h. The same strength level was
with a curing temperature of 85 C and duration of 30 h. The same strength level was achieved
achieved
the cast-in-place
components
with temperature
a curing temperature
or 60 C for
maintained
even even
in the in
cast-in-place
components
with a curing
of 40 or 60of C40maintained
7 days. for
and 40 C with that at
7 days.
Honma
al. compared
[17] compared
the strength
development
UHPC
cured
Honma
et al.et[17]
the strength
development
of UHPCofcured
at 20
and at
4020
C with that at 90 C
90 C
steam
curing.
difference
of strengths
eachtemperature
curing temperature
was atsignificant
at 7 and
steam
curing.
The The
difference
of strengths
at each at
curing
was significant
7 and 28 days,
but became
less significant
at 91 days.
Thedays.
chemical
microstructure
during curing and
28 days,
but became
less significant
at 91
Themechanism
chemical and
mechanism
and microstructure
during
hydration
of concrete
are presented
in some references
curing
and hydration
of concrete
are presented
in some[18,19].
references [18,19].

Figure 2. Compressive strength development of K-UHPC with different curing conditions [13].

Figure 2. Compressive strength development of K-UHPC with different curing conditions [13].
3. Curing Tests of UHPC
3. Curing
Tests of UHPC
3.1. Test Variables and Preparation of Specimens

3.1. Test Variables and Preparation of Specimens

As discussed previously, the quality of UHPC is largely affected by curing conditions, such as curing
Astemperature
discussedand
previously,
the quality
UHPCpreparing
is largely
by system
curing on
conditions,
such as
moisture condition,
etc. of
However,
the affected
steam curing
a construction
curing
and moisture
condition,
etc. However,
preparing
theuneconomical
steam curing
sitetemperature
(which is necessary
for ensuring
rapid strength
development)
would be
andsystem
involve on a
construction
site (which
is its
necessary
foruse
ensuring
rapid strength
development)
would
bethe
uneconomical
some difficulties
due to
temporary
during curing
and the required
movability
along
casting
place of some
concrete.
Therefore,
would
be very important
to determine
an the
efficient
curing
method foralong
and involve
difficulties
dueit to
its temporary
use during
curing and
required
movability

the casting place of concrete. Therefore, it would be very important to determine an efficient curing

Materials 2015, 8

5542

cast-in-place UHPC by taking into account the site condition, construction period, economy, and required
strength of UHPC.
In this study, the test variables are determined by relaxing the conditions of the prototype curing
method of K-UHPC [4,13], which has been deonstrated to be sufficient for ensuring the specified
compressive strength of 180 MPa immediately after curing. The prototype follows the order of initial
moist curing for 24 h after casting, form removal, and steam moist curing with 90 C for 48 h. As shown
in Table 2, additional conditions considered in this study are: the lower curing temperatures of 20, 40
and 60 C; the duration of the initial curing (also called delay time in this study) that is shortened to
12 h or extended to 48 h; the duration of the main curing (also called curing time or continuing time
in this study) that is shortened to 12 or 24 h; and the type of moist curing conditions. The moisture
conditions during curing are categorized into four types. The enclosed or sealed condition is realized
by tightly wrapping the specimen with polyethylene sheet to ensure that the internal moisture does not
evaporate. A dry condition is provided by a dry heating chamber, while a constant temperature and
humidity chamber as shown in Figure 3 is used to apply the water or steam condition.
Table 2. Variables of curing test.
Curing Temperature ( C)

Delay Time (h)

Continuing Time (h)

Moisture Condition

12
20

24

24
48

enclosed, water

72
12
12

24
48
12

40

24

24
48
12

48

24
48
12

12

24
48
12

60

24

24
48
12

48

24
48

90

24

48
72

dry, enclosed, water, steam

Materials 2015, 8
Materials 2015, 8

5543
7

Figure 3. Constant temperature and humidity chamber.

Figure 3. Constant temperature and humidity chamber.
The target curing temperature of the chamber is attained at a 15 C
C increase per hour and the same
rate of temperature variation is applied when descending. The curing time is evaluated based only on
Although
moisture
is continuously
supplied
duringduring
the initial
the period
periodofofconstant
constanttemperature.
temperature.
Although
moisture
is continuously
supplied
the curing
initial
period with
thewith
standard
curing method
of K-UHPC,
considering
any adverse
situation,
it is assumed
curing
period
the standard
curing method
of K-UHPC,
considering
any site
adverse
site situation,
it is
in this study
that study
the specimen
subjectedistosubjected
a dry condition
during
the initial
curing,
regardless
of
assumed
in this
that the isspecimen
to a dry
condition
during
the initial
curing,
the form removal
conducted
at 12
h after casting.
the Therefore,
initial curing
also called
regardless
of the form
removal
conducted
at 12 h Therefore,
after casting.
theperiod
initialiscuring
periodthe
is
delaycalled
time in
study
because
curing
is notthe
actually
during
this period.
In the
also
thethis
delay
time
in thisthe
study
because
curingperformed
is not actually
performed
during
thisenclosed
period.
condition,
however,
the specimen
is sealed
immediately
after immediately
the form is removed,
can is
be removed,
expected
In
the enclosed
condition,
however,
the specimen
is sealed
after theasform
on can
site.beFurthermore,
other moisture
conditions
last onlyconditions
as long aslast
the only
curing
thethe
enclosed
as
expected on while
site. Furthermore,
while
other moisture
as time,
long as
curing
condition
is maintained
until the
strength is until
measured
at 7 daysissince
this situation
be easily
applied
time,
the enclosed
condition
is maintained
the strength
measured
at 7 dayscan
since
this situation
can
be easily
applied
on site. Because
the purpose
of this how
studyclosely
is to examine
how attains
closelythe
thespecified
strength
on site.
Because
the purpose
of this study
is to examine
the strength
attains
the specified
compressive
within
an early strengths
age, 7-day
strengths
are
compressive
strength within
an earlystrength
age, 7-day
compressive
are compressive
measured according
to the
measured
according
the standard
test method
[4,20].strength
The average
compressive
strength the
is calculated
standard test
methodto[4,20].
The average
compressive
is calculated
by averaging
strengths
by
averaging
the strengths
the test
threevariable.
specimens
each of
testthe
variable.
Theisshape
of the with
specimen
is a
of the
three specimens
for of
each
Theforshape
specimen
a cylinder
100 mm
cylinder
100 mm
mmheight
diameter
and 200to mm
height according
to the
relevant
diameter with
and 200
according
the relevant
specifications
[4,21].
As specifications
will be shown[4,21].
in the
As
will be shown
in the
themost
laterwidely-used
part, these are
the most widely-used
comparison
provided
in comparison
the later part,provided
these areinthe
dimensions,
as far as thedimensions,
cylindrical
as
far as
the cylindrical
shape aisspecimen
concerned.
Although
specimen
withindifferent
size was
used in
shape
is concerned.
Although
with
differenta size
was used
some previous
studies,
thesome
size
previous
studies,
size
not exceed
150
mm
diameter
andIt300
in height atassumed
most. Itthat
canthe
be
did not exceed
150the
mm
in did
diameter
and 300
mm
in in
height
at most.
canmm
be sufficiently
sufficiently
assumedofthat
thesmall-sized
internal temperature
of these
small-sized
specimens
used inorpractice,
internal temperature
these
specimens used
in practice,
whether
it is a cylinder
a cube,
whether
it is adistributed
cylinder or
a cube, istouniformly
distributed
according toand,
the ambient
is uniformly
according
the ambient
curing temperature;
thus, thecuring
effect temperature;
of the shape
and,
thus,ofthe
effect of on
thethe
shape
and size distribution
of a specimen
the temperature
distributionis and
related
and size
a specimen
temperature
andon
related
strength development
negligible.
strength
development
is negligible.
components
of K-UHPC
using a dedicated
mixer
The components
of K-UHPC
were The
mixed
using a dedicated
mixerwere
that mixed
was developed
for UHPC
[8].
that
was specimens
developedwere
for UHPC
test specimens
prepared [4,21]
by following
related
The test
prepared[8].
by The
following
the related were
specifications
in terms the
of placing,
specifications
in terms
of placing,
consolidation,
finishing, and ensuring plane ends.
consolidation, [4,21]
finishing,
and ensuring
plane
ends.
The
test variables
variables of
ofthis
thiscuring
curingtest
testbasically
basicallyinclude
includefour
fourcases
casesofof
curing
temperature,
three
cases
The test
curing
temperature,
three
cases
of
of
delay
before
the initiation
of main
curing,
three of
cases
main time
curing
four
cases of
delay
timetime
before
the initiation
of main
curing,
three cases
mainofcuring
andtime
fourand
cases
of moisture
moisture
are summarized
in Table
4 with for
explanations
for several
condition.condition.
These are These
summarized
in Table 2 and
Figure2 4and
withFigure
explanations
several abbreviations.
abbreviations.
In Figure
4, if one
ofM,
the letters
T,CT
M,isDT
is given
as ittest
is, variables
then the
In Figure 4, if one
of the letters
T,
DT and
givenand
as itCT
is, then
the entire
entire
to this letter
arecorresponding
included in thecase.
corresponding
case. T-M-24-48
For example,
T-M-24-48
relatedtest
to variables
this letterrelated
are included
in the
For example,
indicates
the
indicates
for 48from
h starting
from casting,
24 h after
casting,
all the
curing
and
cases thatthe
arecases
curedthat
forare
48cured
h starting
24 h after
with
all thewith
curing
times
andtimes
moisture
moisture
conditionsconditions
included. included.

Materials 2015, 8
Materials 2015, 8

5544
8

Figure 4. Abbreviations of variables of curing test.

Figure 4. Abbreviations of variables of curing test.
Effect of Curing Temperature
3.2. Effect

The average compressive strength of the specimens made with standard steam curing (24 h initial

C) was
was 201.0
201.0 MPa
MPa as shown in Table 3, which is 112%
curing and subsequent 48 h main curing at 90 C)
of the specified strength of 180 MPa. The
The test
test results,
results, as affected by various curing temperatures, with
other conditions remaining the same as those of the standard steam curing, are presented in Table 3. As
decreased, the
the average
average compressive
compressive strengths
strengths also
also reduced,
reduced, which
which results
results in 97%,
the curing temperature
temperature decreased,

C, respectively.
76% and 61% of the specified strength for the curing temperatures of 60,
60, 40
40 and
and 20
20 C,
respectively.
Table 3. Compressive
Compressive strengths according to curing temperatures (T-S-24-48).
(T-S-24-48).
Table
Variable
Variable

Average
CompressiveStandard
CompressiveStrength
Strength(MPa)
(MPa) Average
Standard
Deviation
Compressive
Compressive
Deviation
Strength
(MPa)
Strength (MPa)
(MPa)(MPa)
#1#1
#2
#3
#2
#3

2-W-24-48
2-W-24-48
* *
4-S-24-48
4-S-24-48
6-S-24-48
6-S-24-48
9-S-24-48
9-S-24-48

116.7
116.7
142.3
142.3
179.9
179.9
200.6
200.6

110.2
110.2
133.6
133.6
170.9
170.9
201.5
201.5

101.0
101.0
133.0
133.0
171.4
171.4
200.8
200.8

109.3
109.3
136.3
136.3
174.1
174.1
201.0
201.0

6.44 6.44
4.25 4.25
4.13 4.13
0.39 0.39

** Water
Water curing
curing is
is provided
provided instead
instead of
of steam
steam curing
curing in
in this
this case.
case.

Figure
Figure 55 shows
shows the
the characteristics
characteristics of
of strength
strength development
development according
according to
to curing
curing temperature
temperature and
and
moisture
condition
with
other
conditions
remaining
the
same.
The
compressive
strength
was
moisture condition with other conditions remaining the same. The compressive strength was proportional
proportional
to the curingregardless
temperature,
of the moisture
condition.
Overall,
the enclosed
to the curing temperature,
of theregardless
moisture condition.
Overall,
the enclosed
condition
resulted
condition
resulted
in
fairly
good
strength
development
when
compared
with
other
moisture
conditions,
in fairly good strength development when compared with other moisture conditions, especially at lower
especially
at although
lower temperatures,
althoughwere
onlytaken
passive
measures
were taken
to prevent
the
temperatures,
only passive measures
to prevent
the evaporation
of water
in concrete.
evaporation
water in concrete.
As condition
mentioned
previously,
condition
was maintained
As mentionedofpreviously,
the enclosed
was
maintainedthe
untilenclosed
the strength
was measured
at 7 days,
until
the
strength
was
measured
at
7
days,
so
that
the
remaining
water
in
the
concrete
could
be
used for
so that the remaining water in the concrete could be used for hydration and strength development.
hydration
development.
other moisture
conditions
were maintained
during
However, and
otherstrength
moisture
conditions However,
were maintained
only during
the curing
time, whichonly
means
the
the
curing
time,
which
means
the
specimens
were
exposed
to
a
dry
environment
during
the
remaining
specimens were exposed to a dry environment during the remaining time before strength measurement.
time before strength measurement. As a result,
for a curing temperature of 40 C, the highest
As a result, for a curing temperature of 40 C, the highest compressive strength was 149.0 MPa in
compressive strength was 149.0 MPa in the enclosed condition, while the lowest was 131.7 MPa in the dry
the enclosed condition, while the lowest was 131.7 MPa in the dry condition. The strength obtained
condition. The strength obtained from the enclosed condition was approximately 10% higher than that
from the enclosed condition was approximately 10% higher than that of other moisture conditions
of other moisture conditions for the
curing temperature of 40 C. Even for higher temperatures, the
for the curing temperature of 40 C. Even for higher temperatures, the strength level in the enclosed
strength level in the enclosed condition was still high as it was only 2.4% and 1.0% lower than the
condition was still high as it was only 2.4% and 1.0% lower than the highest strengths obtained in steam

Materials 2015, 8
Materials 2015, 8

9
5545

highest strengths obtained in steam curing at 60 and 90 C, respectively. Therefore, for strength
curing at 60 of
andK-UHPC,
90 C, respectively.
development
of K-UHPC,
alsoconcrete
effective by
development
it is also Therefore,
effective tofortrystrength
to maintain
the water
containeditinis the
to try to the
maintain
thewith
water
containedsuch
in theasconcrete
by wrapping
the surface
with a material
suchwater
as
wrapping
surface
a material
polyethylene
sheet instead
of providing
an active
polyethylene
sheet instead
of providing
an active
water supply
to the
concrete.
In feasible,
other words,
whenmost
a
supply
to the concrete.
In other
words, when
a continuous
supply
of water
is not
the next
continuous
supply
is not
the next
most effective
strategy
is to protect
surfaceeffect
from on
effective
strategy
is of
to water
protect
the feasible,
surface from
evaporation.
A dry
condition
had anthe
adverse
condition
had an adverse
effect
the strength
allwater
rangesneeded
of temperature
due to the
theevaporation.
strength in A
alldry
ranges
of temperature
due to
the on
evaporation
ofinthe
for hydration.
evaporation
water needed
Therefore, of
it the
is apparent
that for
thehydration.
strength development of K-UHPC is accelerated as the curing
Therefore,
it
is
apparent
that
the
strength
development
of presented
K-UHPC in
is accelerated
the attain
curingthe
temperature increases. Although the 7-day
strength
of 60 C
Figure 5 didas not

temperature
increases.strength,
Although
7-day strength
of 60
C presented
in Figure
didconsiderable.
not attain theAs
specified
compressive
thethedifference
between
these
two strengths
was 5not
specified compressive strength, the difference between these two strengths was not considerable. As will
will
be shown later, in some other cases cured at 60 C, the specified strength was exceeded by
be shown later, in some other cases cured at 60 C, the specified strength was exceeded by adjusting the
adjusting the delay time.
delay time.
It is also important to estimate when the specified strength is attained for cases where the specified
It is also important to estimate when the specified strength is attained for cases where the specified
strength is not reached in 7 days. Several of the cases exceeded the specified strength at 28 days, as
strength is not reached in 7 days. Several of the cases exceeded the specified strength at 28 days, as will
will be discussed later. Many of the other cases may eventually attain the specified strength, as can be
be discussed later. Many of the other cases may eventually attain the specified strength, as can be seen
seen in Figure 2 and as confirmed in previous studies. Whether or not the delayed strength
in Figure 2 and as confirmed in previous studies. Whether or not the delayed strength development is
development is acceptable depends on the progress schedule of the site and construction period.
acceptable depends on the progress schedule of the site and construction period.
Figure 5 shows an almost linear strength development for all moisture conditions. Therefore, the
Figure 5 shows an almost linear strength development for all moisture conditions. Therefore, the
following
result of
of regression
regressionanalysis
analysisthat
thatrelate
relateearly-age
early-age
followingpredictive
predictiveequations
equations are
are proposed
proposed as
as aa result
compressive
forenclosed
enclosedand
andwater
water
conditions:
compressivestrength
strengthtotocuring
curingtemperature,
temperature, representatively
representatively for
conditions:
f /=
f T =90 0.0062T + 0.4627 (20 C
T 90 C, for enclosed condition)
fc7c7{fc7,Tc7,=90
0.0062T ` 0.4627 (20 C T 90 C, for enclosed condition)
f /=
f T =90 0.0065T + 0.4246 (20 C
T 90 C, for water condition)
fc7c7{fc7,Tc7,=90
0.0065T ` 0.4246 (20 C T 90 C, for water condition)

(1)(1)
(2)(2)

where
fc7 fisc7 the
7-day
compressive
strength
(MPa),
fc7, Tf c7,
compressive
strength
for afor90aC
= 90T =is90the
where
is the
7-day
compressive
strength
(MPa),
is 7-day
the 7-day
compressive
strength

curing
(MPa), (MPa),
and T is
temperature
(C). (These
equations
are are
normalized
with
90 Ctemperature
curing temperature
andcuring
T is curing
temperature
C). These
equations
normalized
2
2
respect
to fc7, T to
The
coefficients
of determination
(R ) of(REquations
(1) and
high
as 0.9675
with respect
. The coefficients
of determination
) of Equations
(1)(2)
andare
(2)asare
as high
as
= 90f.c7,
T = 90
and respectively,
0.9955, respectively,
indicates
linear
regressioncan
canprovide
provide aa sufficiently
and0.9675
0.9955,
which which
indicates
that that
linear
regression
sufficientlyreliable
reliable
estimationofofthe
the strength.
strength. Similarly,
equation
can be
for other
delay of
estimation
Similarly,such
sucha predictive
a predictive
equation
canproposed
be proposed
forcases
otherofcases
time,time,
curing
time,time,
and moisture
conditions.
delay
curing
and moisture
conditions.

Figure 5. Compressive strengths according to curing temperatures (T-M-24-48).

Figure 5. Compressive strengths according to curing temperatures (T-M-24-48).

Materials 2015, 8
Materials 2015, 8

5546
10

3.3.
3.3. Effect
Effect of
of Curing
Curing Time
Time
The
increasing
the length
of time
the main
curing
on curing
strengthon
development
is investigatedis
Theeffect
effectof of
increasing
the length
ofoftime
of the
main
strength development
in
this section.in Figure
6 shows
the average
of specimens
by curing
time that
were
investigated
this section.
Figure
6 showsstrengths
the average
strengthsasofaffected
specimens
as affected
by curing
cured
at each
temperature
with the
delay timewith
fixedthe
as 24
h. For
delay
moisture
time that
were
cured at each
temperature
delay
timethis
fixed
astime,
24 h.regardless
For this of
delay
time,

condition,
the specimens
of while
7-day the
strength
curedofat 7-day
90 Cstrength
exceeded
the specified
regardless while
of moisture
condition,
specimens
cured
at 90 C strength,
exceeded the
the
specimens
cured at the
lower
temperatures
not reach
the specified
180
MPa, even
with of
a
specified strength,
specimens
cureddid
at lower
temperatures
did strength
not reachofthe
specified
strength

curing
timeeven
of 48with
h. aHowever,
the of
specimens
that were
at 60 that
C almost
attained
the C
specified
180 MPa,
curing time
48 h. However,
thecured
specimens
were cured
at 60
almost
strength,
as
shown
in
Figure
6c.
Therefore,
it
would
be
possible
for
these
specimens
to
reach
the
specified
attained the specified strength, as shown in Figure 6c. Therefore, it would be possible for these
strength
with
such
as a slightly
increased
curing
time
an adjustment
the delay
specimens
to some
reach measures,
the specified
strength
with some
measures,
such
as and
a slightly
increasedofcuring
time
time,
asadjustment
will be presented
later. time, as will be presented later.
and an
of the delay

Figure 6.6. Compressive

(T-M-24-CT).
Figure
Compressive strengths
strengths according
according toto curing
curing times
times (T-M-24-CT).
(a)Curing
Curingtemperature
temperature
C (2-M-24-CT).
(b)temperature
Curing temperature
= 40 C
(a)
= 20= C20
(2-M-24-CT).
(b) Curing
= 40 C (4-M-24-CT).
(4-M-24-CT).
(c) Curing
temperature
= 60 C(d)
(6-M-24-CT).
(d) Curing
temperature
= 90 C

(c)
Curing temperature
= 60
C (6-M-24-CT).
Curing temperature
= 90
C (9-M-24-CT).
(9-M-24-CT).

In
C, the
In the
the case
case of
of specimens
specimens cured
cured at
at 20
20 C,
the strength
strength increase
increase according
according to
to curing
curing time
time was
was so
so
marginal
that
the
specified
strength
could
not
be
attained
within
7
days.
Referring
to
the
previous
marginal that the specified strength could not be attained within 7 days. Referring to the previous study

study
on K-UHPC
in Figure
when applying
a temperature
ofthe
20 specified
C, the specified
on K-UHPC
shownshown
in Figure
2, when2,applying
a temperature
of 20 C,
strength strength
can only
can
only
be
ensured
in
the
long
term
with
a
continuous
supply
of
moisture.
The
strengths
obtained
be ensured in the long term with a continuous supply of moisture. The strengths obtained from

Materials 2015, 8

5547

from enclosed and water conditions at each curing time do not significantly differ in the case of 20 C.
As mentioned previously, the enclosed condition that can be relatively easily realized on site provides a
better treatment of moisture and strength development in this study, regardless of curing temperature,
as shown in Figure 6. Although the specified strength was not reached at 40 and 60 C with the
curing times considered, a regression equation can be used to estimate the appropriate curing time
if the specified strength is to be ensured in 7 days. For the enclosed condition that shows a better
strength development, it appears that the linear regression can provide the best fit, resulting in the
following equations:
fc7 0.5972t ` 121.82 (for curing temperature of 40 C)

(3)

fc7 0.4158t ` 149.57 (for curing temperature of 60 C)

(4)

where f c7 is the 7-day compressive strength (MPa) and t is the curing time (h).
R2 of
Equations (3) and (4) are 0.8885 and 0.9907, respectively, with sufficient accuracy. According to
Equations (3) and (4), the specified strength can be ensured in 7 days with the curing time of
97 and 73 h, i.e., approximately 4 and 3 days, for curing temperatures of 40 and 60 C,
respectively. Matsubara et al. [6] stated that 180 MPa was attained after 7 days curing at
40 or 60 C. Consequently, the K-UHPC of this study shows a better strength development
performance even with a shorter curing time when compared with the UHPC developed by
Matsubara et al. [6]. At 90 C, increasing the curing time from the standard 48 to 72 h was
also effective, except for the dry condition. In contrast, for the dry condition, the strength
slightly decreased due to the excessive evaporation of internal water which induced drying and
micro-cracks under a very high temperature [13].
Figure 7 shows the relationship between strength and curing time for delay times other than 24 h.
At a shorter delay time of 12 h, which corresponds to the immediate initiation of curing
after form removal, the strength was higher in the water condition than that in the
enclosed condition, especially for that shown in Figure 7a at 40 C. It is because the
advantage of the enclosed condition is less distinct when the delay time is short. However,
the enclosed condition resulted in better strengths in the delay time of 48 h (Figure 7b,d)
than other moisture conditions, as did in the delay time of 24 h (Figure 6b,c). As shown in
Figure 7b, at a curing temperature of 40 C, the longer delay time of 48 h meant that the
effect of increasing the curing time on strength development was less clear. Figures 6c and 7c,d
show that the strength development at 60 C curing in the enclosed condition is quite
satisfactory; the specified compressive strength can almost be reached or can even be exceeded
in 7 days with the curing time of 48 h adopted in the standard steam curing of K-UHPC. On
the other hand, it is estimated that at a curing temperature of 40 C, a few days curing time
may be needed to reach the specified strength in 7 days, as shown in Figures 6b and 7a.

Materials 2015, 8
Materials 2015, 8

5548
12

Figure 7.
7. Compressive
(a) Curing
Curing
Figure
Compressive strengths
strengths according
according to
to curing
curing times
times (T-M-DT-CT).
(T-M-DT-CT). (a)
temperature == 40
and delay time = 12 h (4-M-12-CT). (b) Curing temperature = 40 C and
temperature
40C
C and delay time = 12 h (4-M-12-CT). (b) Curing temperature = 40 C
delaydelay
timetime
= 48= 48
h (4-M-48-CT).
(c) (c)
Curing
temperature
==
6060C Cand
and
h (4-M-48-CT).
Curing
temperature
anddelay
delaytime
time == 12
12 hh
(6-M-12-CT). (d)
time
= 48
h (6-M-48-CT).
(6-M-12-CT).
(d)Curing
Curingtemperature
temperature==6060C Cand
anddelay
delay
time
= 48
h (6-M-48-CT).
3.4. Effect of Delay Time
3.4. Effect of Delay Time
According to a previous study on the standard steam curing of K-UHPC [13], if the delay time
According to a previous study on the standard steam curing of K-UHPC [13], if the delay time before
before high-temperature curing of 90 C is too short, strength degradation may possibly occur because
high-temperature
of to
90ahigh
C is too
short, strength
possibly
because
cement hydrate is curing
exposed
temperature
beforedegradation
it hardens tomay
form
a tight occur
structure
and iscement
prone
hydrate
is
exposed
to
a
high
temperature
before
it
hardens
to
form
a
tight
structure
and
is
prone
to
to internal micro-cracks. The reason why the delay time or the initial curing period before the main
internal
micro-cracks.
why
delay time
the Honma
initial curing
period
before the that
main
steam curing
is set at 24The
h is reason
based on
thisthe
previous
studyor[13].
et al. [17]
demonstrated
if
steam
curing
is
set
at
24
h
is
based
on
this
previous
study
[13].
Honma
et
al.
[17]
demonstrated
the high-temperature curing initiates after the initial setting that corresponds to the penetration
that
if the of
high-temperature
initiates
after theregardless
initial setting
corresponds
to UHPC
the penetration
resistance
5 MPa, similar curing
strengths
are obtained
of thethat
delay
time in the
with the
resistance
of
5
MPa,
similar
strengths
are
obtained
regardless
of
the
delay
time
in
the
UHPC
with
the
specified compressive strength of 150200 MPa. In comparison, the initial setting of concrete mixture
specified
150200 MPa.
In comparison,
initial
settingtoofASTM
concrete
mixture
is definedcompressive
by the time strength
when theofpenetration
resistance
equals 3.5 the
MPa
according
C403
[22].
is
defined
by
the
time
when
the
penetration
resistance
equals
3.5
MPa
according
to
ASTM
C403
[22].
Ahlborn et al. [14] reported that a delay time as long as 10 or 24 days before high-temperature curing
Ahlborn
et al. [14]
reported
that a of
delay
time as
long as the
10 or
24 days
curing
at 90 C induced
a slight
decrease
strength.
However,
delay
timesbefore
of thishigh-temperature
study are the shortest
at

at
C induced
a slight
decrease
of strength.
However,
times ofatthis
study
areare
thenot
shortest
at
1290
h when
the initial
setting
time has
already passed,
andthe
aredelay
the longest
48 h,
which
as long
12
h when
initial
setting
has already
passed,
are the longest
at 48 temperatures
h, which are that
not as
as the
delaythe
time
of the
studytime
by Ahlborn
et al.
[14]. and
Furthermore,
the curing
arelong
the
as
the
delay
time
of
the
study
by
Ahlborn
et
al.
[14].
Furthermore,
the
curing
temperatures
that
are
the
main focus in this study are 40 and 60 C, which are lower than the curing temperature of 90 C
main focus in this study are 40 and 60 C, which are lower than the curing temperature of 90 C adopted

Materials 2015, 8
Materials 2015, 8

5549
13

in the above
studies carried
on the
the delay
a result,
the effect
the
adopted
in theprevious
above previous
studiesout
carried
outeffect
on theofeffect
of thetime.
delayAs
time.
As a result,
the of
effect
delay
strength
development
is not distinct
in this in
study.
of
the time
delayontime
on strength
development
is not distinct
this study.
As
seen
in
Figure
8,
with
the
curing
time
of
48
h
adopted
for standard
curing,
andthe
with
the
As seen in Figure 8, with the curing time of 48 h adopted for standard
steamsteam
curing,
and with
curing

curing temperature
40C,
or 60
the effect
the delay
time ranging
on strength
the strength
temperature
of 40 orof60
the C,
effect
of theof
delay
time ranging
from from
12 to12
48toh 48
onhthe
waswas
not
is, increasing
the delay
result
a consistent
increase
or decrease
of the
strength.
not clear.
clear.
ThatThat
is, increasing
the delay
timetime
did did
not not
result
in ainconsistent
increase
or decrease
of the
strength.

Figure
8. Compressive
Compressive strengths
strengthsaccording
accordingtotodelay
delay
times
before
curing
(T-M-DT-48).
Figure 8.
times
before
curing
(T-M-DT-48).
(a)
(a)
Curing
temperature
=
40
C (4-M-DT-48). (b) Curing temperature = 60C (6-M-DT-48).
Curing temperature = 40 C (4-M-DT-48). (b) Curing temperature = 60 C (6-M-DT-48).
3.5. Discussion
3.5. Discussion
The results of this study and the relevant previous studies are compared in Table 4. The specified
The results of this study and the relevant previous studies are compared in Table 4. The specified
compressive strengths of the UHPC are considered to be in the range from 150 to 200 MPa.
compressive strengths of the UHPC are considered to be in the range from 150 to 200 MPa.
The comparison is limited to the lower curing temperatures, ranging from 20 to 70 C, than usual
The comparison is limited to the lower curing temperatures, ranging from 20 to 70 C, than usual steam
steam curing temperature of 90 C. Also, the development of early-age strength of less than or equal to
curing temperature of 90 C. Also, the development of early-age strength of less than or equal to 7 days
7 days is compared, according to the focus of this study. It can be identified that this study took more
is compared,
according to
thethe
focus
of thisstudies
study. It
be identified
thataspects
this study
took more
variables
variables
or parameters
than
previous
tocan
investigate
various
regarding
the curing
of
or
parameters
than
the
previous
studies
to
investigate
various
aspects
regarding
the
curing
of
UHPC.
UHPC. It is notable that in a few studies including this study, the specified compressive strength could
It isattained
notable that
a few as
studies
including
this study,
the specified
strength
be attained
be
in asinearly
7 days,
with careful
consideration
ofcompressive
the temperature
andcould
duration
of the
in
as
early
as
7
days,
with
careful
consideration
of
the
temperature
and
duration
of
the
curing.
In
order
to
curing. In order to achieve this purpose, at least 4060 C was required as curing temperature, whereas

achieve
this purpose,
least 4060
was
required as The
curing
temperature,
room temperature
at
room
temperature
at at
around
20 C C
was
insufficient.
shape
and size whereas
of the specimens
of various

around 20
C was
insufficient.
The shape
and size of the specimens of various studies are also compared
studies
are also
compared
in Table
4.
in Table
4.
In addition
to the early-age strengths measured at 7 days, 28-day strengths were also measured,
In
addition
to
the the
early-age
strengths
at 7 of
days,
28-day strengths
were
also
although they are not
main focus
of thismeasured
study. Some
the specimens
that were
cured
at measured,
60 C and
although
they
are not thethemain
focus compressive
of this study.strength
Some of
specimens
curedstrength
at 60 C
that
closely
approached
specified
at 7the
days
exceededthat
thewere
specified
at
and
that
closely
approached
the
specified
compressive
strength
at
7
days
exceeded
the
specified
strength
28 days with the strength increase of 4.3% on average, which included 6-E-12-48, 6-W-12-48 and
at 28 days with
strength increase
4.3% on
average,
which
included 6-E-12-48,
6-W-12-48
and
6-S-12-48.
Otherthe
specimens
required of
a longer
term
to attain
the specified
strength. When
comparing
6-S-12-48.
specimens
required aamong
longer the
termdifferent
to attain studies,
the specified
strength.
comparing
the
the
results Other
of strength
measurement
the length
of When
time the
curing was
results of strength
amongathe
different studies,
the length
time the curing
was
maintained
maintained
shouldmeasurement
be noted to ensure
reasonable
comparison.
For aof
long-term
strength
measurement
should
be noted
to some
ensurestudies
a reasonable
a long-term
strength
measurement
at 28 days
or
at
28 days
or later,
appliedcomparison.
moist curing For
continuously
until
the strength
was measured
[3,13],
later, some
applied
moistthis
curing
continuously
until
the strength
was measured
[3,13],
while
while
otherstudies
studies,
including
study,
maintained
moist
curing only
for a short
period
[1].other
The
studies,developed
including this
study, et
maintained
moist curing
only
for aatshort
period
[1]. continuously
The UHPC developed
UHPC
by Wille
al. [3] attained
190200
MPa
28 days
when
stored in

Materials 2015, 8

5550

by Wille et al. [3] attained 190200 MPa at 28 days when continuously stored in water at 20 C and the
K-UHPC of this study reached 190 MPa at 91 days in a similar condition [13]. The UHPC developed
in the Sustainable and Advanced Materials for Road InfraStructure (SAMARIS) project [1] achieved
182 MPa at 28 days in ambient temperature with 8 days of moist curing, although around 150 MPa was
attained at 7 or 14 days. However, the previous studies mentioned above focused on a long-term strength
of at least 28 days; therefore, because this study deals with the early-age strength of UHPC at 7 days, it
can provide distinct and useful data for UHPC cast in-place for field application.
Table 4. Comparison of the test results with previous studies on UHPC.
Shape and
Size of
Specimen
(mm)

Specified
Water-to-Binder
Compressive Ratio/Mineral
Strength
Admixture
(MPa)
(% of Binder)

Study

Variables

This study

Curing temperature,
delay time, continuing
time, moisture condition

Cylinder
( 100 200)

180

0.2/Silica fume
(20%)

SAMARIS
[1]

Cylinder
( 110 220)

180

0.123/Silica fume
(21%)

Ishii
et al. [5]

Curing temperature

Not specified

180

Not specified

Matsubara
et al. [6]

Curing temperature

Cylinder
( 100 200)

180

0.152/Silica fume
(not specified)

Cylinder
( 76 152)

200

Not specified

Cylinder
( 100 200)

150

0.15/Silica fume
(15%)

Cylinder
( 100 200)

150200

0.120.2/Silica fume
(10%20%)

Ahlborn
et al. [14]
Nakayama
et al. [16]

Honma
et al. [17]

Curing temperature,
delay time
Curing temperature,
delay time,
continuing time

Curing temperature

Early-Age Strength
Development
(Curing Condition)
180 MPa in 7 days
(40 C for 4 days or
60 C for 2 days in
moist condition)
150 MPa in 7 days
(20 C for 7 days in
moist condition)
147 MPa in 4 days
(70 C for 2 days)
180 MPa in 7 days
(40 C or 60 C
for 7 days)
137 MPa in 7 days
(20 C for 7 days)
135 MPa in 7 days
(60 C for 3 h in
moist condition)
90100 MPa in 7 days
(20 C for 7 days in
moist condition) and
130170 MPa in 7 days
(40 C for 7 days
in moist condition)

According to the experimental results of this study, it would not be possible to ensure the specified
compressive strength of K-UHPC within 7 days with a curing temperature of 20 C, regardless of the
moist curing method employed. The minimum condition to ensure the specified strength at 7 days
derived in this study is a curing period of 48 h (2 days) with a temperature of 60 C under a moist
condition, and with the delay time of 12 to 48 h before the curing begins. A maximum of 3 days curing
period would be sufficient to ensure the specified strength in 7 days. A certain type of heat treatment
would be required to ensure a curing temperature of 60 C, such as a heating system that is easily
available on site as adopted by Matsubara et al. [6] in an actual pedestrian bridge. On the other hand,

Materials 2015, 8

5551

at a curing temperature of 40 C, at least a 4 days curing period is required to attain the same strength
level. In the hot weather conditions in some countries, an environmental temperature of 40 C may be
obtained simply by covering the structure with a thick and tight plastic sheet after casting, even though
a heating facility is not available on site.
4. Conclusions
This study presented experimental results on the effect of various curing conditions of K-UHPC on
early-age strength development in order to increase the field applicability of K-UHPC. Based on the
results of the foregoing investigation, the following conclusions can be drawn:
As the curing temperature increased, the development of the compressive strength of K-UHPC
was accelerated. The 7-day strength was almost linearly proportional to the curing temperature,
which ranged from 20 to 90 C. Some specimens cured at 60 C for 48 h attained 180 MPa in
7 days, which is the specified compressive strength of K-UHPC, under the condition that proper
delay time along with careful moisture treatment are provided. A dry condition should be avoided,
especially in UHPC based on a low water-to-binder ratio. The enclosed condition where the
concrete surface is covered with a thin plastic sheet was also effective when compared with
moist curing.
The strength development of K-UHPC was also proportional to the curing period, regardless of
the curing temperature. In order to ensure the specified strength in 7 days, the curing time of
4872 h was appropriate for a curing temperature of 60 C, while a longer period of at least 96 h
may be necessary for 40 C based on the regression analysis. However, the specified strength is not
attained in 7 days if a curing temperature of 20 C is maintained even until strength measurement.
The effect of delay time ranging from 12 to 48 h prior to initiation of the main curing on the
strength development of K-UHPC was not clear, regardless of the curing temperature. In field
application, therefore, the delay time would not have an adverse effect on the strength unless it is
either too long or too short.
Acknowledgments
This research was supported by a grant (13SCIPA02) from Smart Civil Infrastructure Research
Program funded by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) of Korea government and
Korea Agency for Infrastructure Technology Advancement (KAIA).
Author Contributions
Jong-Sup Park conceived, designed and performed the experiments. Young Jin Kim supervised this
project as a principal investigator. Jeong-Rae Cho contributed to the literature review for this study.
Se-Jin Jeon analyzed the data and wrote the paper.

Materials 2015, 8

5552

Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
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