The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of steam curing by solar energy on the compressive strength of concrete for precast ele- ments. An experimental program was carried out to study the combined effects of w/c ratio, cement type and curing method (water curing, air curing, steam curing (SC) at 29°C and SC at 45°C) on the compressive strength of concrete. The results allow us to highlight the benefi- cial effect of a SC procedure to achieve high compressive strength, especially in the earlier ages of curing. However, compressive strength of water-cured samples was higher than that of the SC samples at 28 days. The technique of SC by solar energy is an effective technique for accelerated hardening of concrete, for good strength and high electrical energy saving for precast concrete production.
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