The effect of practical curing methods used in Saudi Arabia on compressive strength of plain concrete

This study has been conducted to determine the effective curing method and time for practical purposes, in environmental condition where the ambient temperature is above 45°C and the relative humidity less than 15%, which is quite normal during summer time in the central region (Riyadh) of Saudi Arabia. Four different methods of curing which are commonly used in Riyadh were studied apart from curing by standard laboratory method and without any curing. Saline well water which is commonly used in Riyadh was used for mixing and curing concrete, apart from using Potable Water. 1308 concrete cube specimens were prepared and cured by different methods and duration upto 28 days and were tested to evaluate the compressive strength at different ages upto 224 days. According to the test results, the curing methods as investigated can be classified into three categories on the basis of their efficiency. Category 1, in which curing was done by sprinkling water and covering by plastic sheet was found to be the most effective method in this environment. Graphs for each method of curing were plotted to select the most effective curing method and time as a function of compressive strength, for practical purposes in hot and dry climate.