Mechanical properties and microstructure of cement-based materials by different high-temperature curing methods: A review

Due to the swift growth and advancement of the country's infrastructure, there is a heightened demand for shorter construction periods and enhanced concrete quality in building projects. Precast concrete, owing to its merits, such as quality control and time efficiency, holds significant promise for the future development of the building industry. Concrete performance is profoundly affected by the method of curing, and precast concrete typically requires heating in order to reach demolding strength as soon as is practical. This research examines the influence of various high- temperature curing techniques on the mechanical properties and microstructure of cementitious materials and analyzes their mechanisms of action. Different methods of heating the concrete-such as steam curing, autoclave curing, microwave curing, and direct electric curing-speed up the cement hydration, encourage the creation of hydration products, enhance the concrete's early microstructure, and increase its early strength. However, these methods also cause varying degrees of deterioration to the concrete's strength and microstructure in the later stages. The article strives to thoroughly compare the impact of multiple high-temperature curing methods on the mechanical properties and microstructure of cement-based materials, as well as establish a pertinent theoretical basis for the use of high-temperature and rapid curing of concrete in actual projects.