Review on effect of steam curing on behavior of concrete

Steam curing at atmospheric pressure is a method used to raise concrete strength at early ages. The steam curing method is based on the application of hot water vapor at a temperature between 40 °C and 100 °C for a limited period. The highest temperatures and the longest curing period are determined based on the characteristics of the target concrete, the cost, and the production cycle. This study presents the effect of steam curing regime application on concrete properties. Steam curing has a negative effect on the microstructure of concrete, and this effect increases with higher temperatures. The curing period and the precuring period in addition to the cooling period influence the properties and the strength of concrete. This study summarizes the previous literature related to the effect of steam curing regime application on the properties of concrete. Previous studies confirm that concrete exposed to steam curing regime at low temperatures ranging between 45 °C and 80 °C and a longer period within a 24-hour cycle achieve better concrete properties. In addition, raising the steam curing temperatures above 80 °C has a negative effect on concrete microstructure and other concrete properties in general. This study also concludes that adding pozzolanic or complementary cement materials contributes to reducing the damage resulting from the application of steam curing regime on concrete at later ages. Such verification is required to clarify the behavior of concrete under the influence of steam curing systems, understand their effect on the properties of concrete, and look for ways to reduce the damage from degrees of application of steam curing regime.