Mechanical properties evaluation of SIFCON exposed to different external curing conditions

Abstract Slurry Infiltrated Fiber Concrete (SIFCON) is classified as a special type of Fiber-Reinforced Concrete (FRC). It is distinguished by the high volume of fibers that can be incorporated and by its unique fabrication method. SIFCON is generally produced with a low water-to-cement (w/c) ratio; therefore, curing plays a crucial role in the development of its mechanical properties. In this study, the mechanical and physical properties of SIFCON produced using a sustainable slurry reinforced with micro steel fibers were evaluated under three curing conditions: steam curing, burlap curing, and membrane coating curing. The results were assessed at ages of 7, 28, and 90 days and compared with those obtained under normal curing, which was adopted as the reference method. The best performance was achieved with steam curing. At 28 days, improvements of 1.5 %, 13.7 %, 15.2 %, and 14.3 % were recorded in dry density, compressive strength, flexural strength, and splitting tensile strength, respectively, compared with the refence method. Membrane curing exhibited a similar trend to steam curing, although its effect was less pronounced, whereas burlap curing resulted in a moderate reduction in the measured properties. concrete.