Effects of Steam Curing on Fly Ash-Based Concrete Performance: A Review

Steam curing is a method used to increase the strength of concrete at an early stage. Steam curing is based on applying hot water vapor at a certain temperature, and determining its constant temperature time and maximum temperature according to the characteristics, cost and production cycle of the target concrete. As a kind of cementing material, fly ash is more and more used in concrete. This study summarizes the previous literature on the effect of steam curing system on the performance of fly ash based concrete. The increase of fly ash content has obvious negative effects on the early compressive strength, splitting tensile strength and elastic modulus of concrete, while the early high temperature curing can significantly improve the early mechanical properties of fly ash based concrete. Concrete exposed to steam curing at low temperatures of 45°C to 80°C and for longer periods of time within a 24-hour cycle can achieve better concrete performance. By studying the effect of steam curing on fly ash base concrete, a suitable curing scheme is developed and applied in practical engineering.