Comparative Analysis of Curing Methods: Natural and Activated Lateritic Concrete

Abstract

This work was on non-activated and activated lateritic soil used in proportions of 0 % to 30 %, to replace fine sand by wt. %, in the production of lateritic concrete. A mix of 1: 2: 4 was used, and the cube samples were cured in four (4) curing media of water, sand, polythene, and sawdust. The aim was to evaluate the effects of these curing methods on the mechanical strengths, and other properties of lateritic concrete. The sensitivity of the generated data was characterized statistically and developing linear regression models for predictions. For the Non-Activated Laterite soil (NALS, control mix (0 %)), the design strength of 20 MPa was achieved by all the curing methods (standard and non-standard). However, for other replacement levels, water curing was adequate for 10 % and 30 %, sand at 10 %, and sawdust for 20 % and 30 %, respectively. On the other hand, for the Activated Laterite soil (ALS), the 20 MPa design strength was met only at 0 % replacement for all curing methods. Sawdust medium at 10 % also satisfied the 20 MPa strength.