As the cost of energy and hence the cost of producing Portland cement increase, the question arises as to whether we are obtaining optimum performance from the admixtures we use. As an example, data are presented indicating that a significant improvement in strength and shrinkage can be achieved by optimizing the sulfate content of the cement for given cement–admixture combinations. It is shown that the optimum SO3 is clearly a function of the initial temperature of the concrete, particularly during the first 24 h after casting, a characteristic of considerable importance in hot weather concreting and steam curing of concrete products. It is recommended that more attention be directed towards optimizing the effectiveness of chemical admixtures in both the ready-mixed concrete and precast concrete industries.
1083) Effect of the Steel Beds on the Steam-Curing Precast Concrete Panels
