Study on self-curing concrete using Polyethylene Glycol 600 for highway infrastructure project

In the present study, the self-curing process has been employed as an alternative to the conventional curing process of concrete. Water plays a very vital role in the manufacture and curing of concrete in infrastructure projects. Water quality is mandatory for the normal curing process in a period of 28 days for cement hydration and to attain strengths. Due to the scarcity of water, curing of the concrete is a difficult task in infrastructure projects in Ethiopia. In this regard, introduce Polyethylene Glycol (PEG 600) chemical as a self-curing solvent for bridge infrastructure projects in Ethiopia. For the M50 grade mix, three different PEG 600 percentages (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0) by weight of the cement have been designed. Finally, specimens were tested and compared to normal and self-cured concrete for mechanical strength properties. The highest possible strength was achieved by adding 1.5 % PEG 600. The results achieved a compressive strength of 58.21 N/mm2. The results achieved a flexural strength of 6.01 N/mm2 and the highest possible strength was attained by adding 1.5 % PEG 600. The results achieved a split tensile strength of 3.9 N/mm2. © 2023