 
Temperature Matched Curing Bath
Allows accurate estimation of strength development of concrete
Introduction
VVhen concrete is cast, heat liberated
by the hydrating cement causes a rise
in concrete temperature. The larger the
mass of concrete, the greater will be
the rise in temperature, with a
consequent increase in the rate of
strength development.
Cubes stored alongside the mass
concrete will also exhibit a rise in
temperature, but to a much lesser
degree. Hence, at any time during the
early age of the concrete, the strength
developed by the test cube will be less
than that developed by the mass
concrete, and so will provide an underestimation of the latter's strength.
The Temperature Matched Curing Bath
ensures that the temperature
experienced by the reference cubes
matches that of the structure, and so
the strength developed by the cubes
will increase at the same rate as that of
the mass concrete.
Use of the equipment will result in cost
savings as the more accurate
estimation of strength development will
allow earlier striking times on formwork
or an earlier start to prestressing.
Description
The Temperature Matched Curing Bath
consists of three parts:
1. A curing tank for nine 100 mm
cubes complete with lid, stirrer and
immersion heater.
2. A control box with temperature
controller and a three-pen chart
recorder to provide a permanent
temperature record. A battery system is
provided to power the recorder in the
event of a failure in the 110 V a.c.
electrical supply.
3. Three platinum resistance
temperature probes connected to the
control unit by armoured cable, enable
the unit to be sited up to 25 metres
from the measuring point. The probes
measure concrete, bath and air
temperature.
Specification
Curing tank
Dimensions 730 x 550 x 448 mm
Capacity 114 litres (25 gallons)
Operating temperatures up to 80�C
Control Unit
Dimensions 610 x 370 x 240 mm
Microprocessor-based PID controller
Three-pen chart recorder 0 - 60�C
Battery backup for recorder
Electrical supply 110 V a.c. 20 A 1ph
Temperature sensors
The platinum resistance thermometers
are enclosed in stainless steel probes
(6 mm diam. at sensing end ) of length
40 - 500 mm
Weight of complete system 48 kg (empty)
|