Experimental study on the influence of different curing methods on the performance of concrete

Curing concrete is an effective method to ensure concrete’s mechanical and durability performance. This article experimentally investigates the impact of various curing methods (air curing, sprinkler curing, geotextile curing, and composite geotextile curing) on the compressive strength of concrete at 7, 14, and 28 days, as well as the carbonation depth and chloride ion diffusion coefficient at 28, 56, and 90 days. The effects of different curing methods on concrete performance are compared. The experimental results demonstrate that sprinkler, geotextile, and composite geotextile curing at 7 and 14 days effectively enhance concrete’s mechanical and durability performance. Compared to air curing concrete at 28 days, sprinkler, geotextile, and composite geotextile curing reduced by 17.75 %, 25.11 %, and 31.51 %, respectively, but the average absolute deviation is reducing. From 28 to 90 days, air curing concrete’s chloride ion diffusion coefficient decreases by 8.5 %. For concrete specimens under sprinkler curing, geotextile curing, and composite geotextile curing, the chloride ion diffusion coefficient decreases by 20.4 %, 8.3 %, and 6.0 %, respectively. Beyond 28 days, the durability performance of concrete under composite geotextile curing, including carbonation depth and chloride ion diffusion coefficient, tends to stabilize. The optimal curing period of 28 days is determined based on comprehensive mechanical and durability performance. Composite geotextile curing retains moisture on the concrete surface, slows evaporation, reduces watering frequency and labour costs, and promotes long-term concrete performance development. Carbonation tests and durability performance, such as chloride ion diffusion coefficient, are more sensitive to concrete curing effects. Single indicators like mechanical or durability performance cannot comprehensively evaluate concrete’s long-term performance. Concrete quality should be comprehensively evaluated by considering strength, carbonation depth, chloride ion diffusion coefficient, and other indicators.