Properties of Internally Cured Concrete

The direct benefits of internally cured concrete include a reduction in autogenous shrinkage, a reduced rate of drying shrinkage, reduced elastic modulus, and improved hydration. Rao and Darter indicated that, in addition to these benefits, the combined effects of unit weight reduction, strength increase, and coefficient of thermal expansion reduction add up to a significant positive impact on slab fatigue and associated cracking initiating both from the top of the slab and the bottom of the slab. There also exists a potential for reducing the opening of shrinkage cracks (including sawed joints), which improves the shear transferability of the cracks and joints, leading to higher load transfer efficiency and longer service life.

Rao and Darter also explored the practicality of incorporating internally cured concrete properties in the performance predictions produced by the Pavement ME Design software. They also considered the impact of internally cured concrete on concrete pavement life-cycle cost analysis results and presented a roadmap for continued progress in the application of internally cured concrete in concrete pavements.