Performance Evaluation Of Self-Curing Concrete Using Polyethylene Glycol For Enhanced Strength And Durability

Abstract

Self-curing is used to maintain moisture content in concrete when normal curing is impractical. This study investigates the performance of self-curing concrete using Polyethylene Glycol (PEG 4000) as a chemical admixture to maintain internal moisture during hydration. Concrete grades M20, M30, and M40 were analysed with varying PEG concentrations (0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2%) to identify the optimal dosage for each grade. The results indicated that PEG improved mechanical properties with optimal concentrations of 2% for M20, 1% for M30, and 0.5% for M40 concrete. Self-curing concrete exhibited higher compressive and flexural strengths compared to traditionally cured concrete, with improvements of 7.0%, 8.3%, and 5.8% for M20, M30, and M40, respectively. The study concludes that self-curing concrete can provide practical benefits in areas with water scarcity by improving workability, compressive strength, and durability.