Consider the following statements:Curing of concrete by steam under p...
Explanation:
The curing of concrete refers to the process of maintaining adequate moisture and temperature conditions for the proper hydration of cement. Steam curing is one of the methods used for accelerating the curing process. Let's analyze each statement:
1. Increases the compressive strength of concrete:
Steam curing can indeed increase the compressive strength of concrete. The application of high-temperature steam under pressure helps in accelerating the hydration process, resulting in faster development of strength. The increased temperature and moisture promote the chemical reactions between cement and water, leading to the formation of more hydration products and a denser microstructure. This ultimately enhances the compressive strength of the concrete.
2. Reduces the shear strength of concrete:
There is no direct relationship between steam curing and the reduction in shear strength of concrete. Shear strength primarily depends on the quality and properties of the concrete mix, including the water-cement ratio, aggregate properties, and curing conditions. While steam curing can potentially affect the overall strength development, it does not specifically target the reduction in shear strength. Therefore, statement 2 is incorrect.
3. Increases the speed of the chemical reaction:
Steam curing significantly increases the speed of the chemical reaction between cement and water. The elevated temperature and moisture conditions provided by steam curing accelerate the hydration process, allowing for quicker formation of hydration products. This results in faster strength development and reduced curing time compared to traditional curing methods. Therefore, statement 3 is correct.
Considering the analysis above, the correct answer is option 'C' as statement 1 and 3 are correct, while statement 2 is incorrect.