Steam curing can cause negative effects on the microstructure and related properties of concrete, compared with normal curing conditions. With the aim of developing effective techniques to improve the performance of steam-cured concrete, this research investigated the influences of subsequent curing conditions after completion of steam curing, as well as covering measures during the steam curing period, on water sorptivity results. The results indicate that subsequent water curing at 20°C and the adoption of covering measures can significantly decrease the water sorptivity of steam-cured concrete and thus improve its durability performance. For steam-cured concrete production it is suggested to adopt surface covering measures using hessian and subsequent 7-day water curing.
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