Effect of Proposed Accelerated Curing Method on High Volume Fly Ash Concrete

In the modern construction practice high amounts of fly ash are not accepted by the construction industry due to a slower rate of strength gain at early age. A study has been undertaken to hasten the hydration process by proposed accelerated curing method of high volume fly ash concrete. Large amount of cement (up to 70% by weight) has been replaced by fly ash. The test results of the compressive strength of accelerated cured mixtures gives about (87-100)% strength ratios from itsa28 days compressive strength within one day only. That indicates, the compressive strength at 28 days can be achieved within 1 day only by using proposed accelerated curing. The results of drying shrinkage show that, the drying shrinkage of mixtures under conventional and accelerated curing conditions are comparable and these results add further benefit of this proposed accelerated curing. Key word: accelerated curing, high volume fly ash , curing cycle, drying shrinkage, flow ability.