J. R. Mackechnie, Concrete NZ, University of Canterbury, New Zealand H. Beushausen, University of Cape Town, South Africa A. Scott and V. Shah, University of Canterbury, New Zealand The type and duration of curing has in recent years been an area of considerable discussion among specifiers and suppliers of precast concrete elements. Heat curing is regularly specified in order to speed up early strength development. However, this is sometimes perceived to negatively affect durability properties since heat curing may result in a coarsening of the concrete microstructure. The time to cessation of curing of precast concrete can be assessed using the maturity approach or by comparing the equivalent durability performance. This paper addresses how initial curing temperature and duration affect the microstructure and durability properties of concrete. Findings show that cessation of curing of precast concrete may be possible after 24 hours without negatively affecting the durability potential of the material. Recommendations are made about how the durability of precast concrete can be quality assured by suppliers of these products.
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