PSI - Issue 70

Saravanakumar R. et al. / Procedia Structural Integrity 70 (2025) 319–326

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4. Mechanism The primary role of curing in concrete is to regulate the heat of hydration and enhance the overall hydration process, which is critical for strength development and durability. During hydration, cement reacts with water to form the binding matrix that gives concrete its structural integrity. In conventional curing methods, such as water ponding, wet coverings, or membrane-forming compounds, additional water is typically supplied externally to compensate for the loss of moisture due to evaporation and to maintain a moist environment. This external water helps sustain hydration in the surface layers and, to some extent, in the deeper sections of the concrete. However, in practice, especially in larger or more densely cast elements, the water supplied externally may not sufficiently penetrate into the inner core of the concrete. As a result, the internal regions may suffer from inadequate hydration, leading to incomplete cement reactions, internal shrinkage, and microcracking. This limitation can compromise the long-term performance of the concrete, reducing its strength, increasing permeability, and making it more susceptible to environmental damage. Hence a bio preservative of original Barbadensis Moth miller Gel is added to concrete during mixing, it can store water because the surface of the water molecules in the concrete shielded by the gel.

Fig. 2 Bio-admixture internal curing [Rayees Ali Khan et.al, 2022] Another bio preservative is the liquid from the stem core of the Musa x paradisiaca tree that retains the mixed water and serves to hydrate the cement. Because both kinds of natural plants have functional groups that are either hydroxyl [-OH-] or ether [-O-] . These natural bio admixtures work better for interior curing concrete because of their capacity to hold water. The process by which water is retained by bio-curing agents to aid in the internal curing of concrete is exposed in Figure 2. 5. Research Gap In this work, there is a notable research gap in the context of sustainable concrete technology. While the studies presented offer valuable insights into various aspects of concrete performance and shrinkage characteristics, there is a need for more comprehensive investigations on the long-term effects of incorporating recycled materials, such as fine brick aggregates, pumice, and industrial by-products, in concrete mixes. Additionally, the manuscript mentions the use of various additives and admixtures to mitigate shrinkage, but additional investigation is required to comprehend the synergistic belongings of these components in concrete productions. A more in-depth analysis on the impacts of curing conditions, such as wetting-drying cycles and internal curing agents, on concrete properties could provide valuable data for optimizing concrete mix designs and enhancing sustainability.