Prediction of the curing time to achieve maturity of the nano cement based concrete using the Weibull distribution model

Abstract

The present investigation deals with the optimization of the curing time using the Weibull distribution model, analyzing the rate of change of compressive strength of the nano cement based concrete. In this investigation, the nano cement was synthesized by sol-gel method using nano silica and hydrated alumina. Additionally, nano cement based concrete was fabricated varying the aggregate and alkali activator content. After measuring the compressive strength of the concrete at four desired curing times viz., 3, 7, 14 and 28 days, the required curing time to achieve a particular rate of change of the compressive strength has been predicted utilizing the equation derived from the variation of the rate of change of compressive strength with the curing time, prior to the optimization of the curing time (at the 99.99% confidence level) using the Weibull distribution model. Results revealed that the required curing time to achieve complete maturity of the nano cement based concrete is similar to 21 days, while for Portland cement, it is 28 days. Therefore, it can be assessed that the required time for building construction would be less considering the nano cement as a primary binding material instead of Portland cement. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.