THE STRENGTH GAIN RATE EVALUATION OF NIGERIA BASED PORTLAND
LIMESTONE CEMENT CONCRETE SUBJECT TO VARIATION IN IMMERSION
PERIODS
AUTHOR: ODUBO EZRA PREYE(UG/20/1952)
SUPERVISED BY:
ENGR. DR. H.D MAC-ETELI
ABSTRACT
Concrete is a fundamental construction material in Nigeria, making the optimization of its strength a
critical factor for durable and efficient civil engineering infrastructure. This research addresses the need
for an optimized curing method to achieve the best possible compressive strength from concrete,
particularly focusing on Nigerian Portland Limestone Cement (CEM II). Current observations suggest
that continuous water immersion beyond a certain period, such as 14 days, may lead to a reduction in
concrete strength compared to samples with shorter immersion periods. This study aims to evaluate the
strength gain rate of concrete subject to variations in immersion periods (water curing, air curing, and
partial water-air curing) to determine the optimal curing regimen for enhanced performance.
The methodology will involve casting 150mm x 150mm x 150mm concrete cubes for various curing
conditions, utilizing four different CEM II cement types and three concrete grades (M15, M20, M25).
Prior to concrete mixing, essential tests such as setting time, soundness, consistency, and specific
gravity will be conducted on the cement types, along with slump tests on all concrete mixes.
Compressive strength tests will be performed at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days by crushing three concrete cubes
from each set (curing type, cement type, and concrete grade). This comprehensive evaluation will help
identify the precise water requirements for an optimized hydration process, providing insights into when
prolonged immersion is no longer beneficial. The findings will provide invaluable knowledge to the
concrete construction industry in Nigeria, suggesting the most efficient curing methods to achieve
optimal concrete strength for various applications and contributing significantly to the existing body of
civil engineering knowledge.
RESEARCH BACKGROUND
While the critical role of proper concrete curing in achieving optimal strength and durability is widely
acknowledged in concrete technology literature, research concerning the most effective curing methods
and durations, particularly within specific regional contexts and for certain cement types, presents areas
for further investigation.
Current studies predominantly highlight the superiority of water curing methods (e.g., immersion,
ponding, sprinkling) over air curing, consistently demonstrating their effectiveness in fostering
continuous cement hydration and maximizing strength development. Standard specifications, such as
those often referenced by ACI (American Concrete Institute) guidelines, frequently recommend a
minimum water curing period of 7 days, with 28 days often considered the standard reference point for
achieving a significant portion of concrete's ultimate compressive strength under ideal conditions.
However, a significant knowledge gap exists regarding the performance of concrete subjected to varying
periods of water immersion followed by air curing (partial curing). Most existing research tends to focus
on continuous water curing versus complete air curing, with less emphasis on the nuanced effects of
transitioning from water to air curing at different stages of the hydration process. Notably, observations
within local Nigerian construction practices suggest an intriguing phenomenon: concrete specimens that
undergo an initial period of water immersion (e.g., 7 or 14 days) and are subsequently exposed to air
curing often exhibit higher compressive strengths at later ages (e.g., 28 days) compared to those
continuously immersed in water for the entire 28-day period. This counter-intuitive observation, if
systematically validated, challenges the conventional assumption that prolonged continuous immersion
always yields superior results and points to a potential "optimal" duration of water immersion beyond
which its benefits may plateau or even diminish relative to combined methods.
Furthermore, a specific void exists in comprehensive studies evaluating the strength gain rates of
concrete made with Nigerian-based Portland Limestone Cement (CEM II). While CEM II is widely
used in Nigeria due to its availability and economic viability, there is limited published data directly
assessing its strength development under various curing regimes, especially those involving partial
water and air exposure. Local environmental conditions, aggregate characteristics, and specific cement
compositions can influence hydration kinetics and strength gain. Therefore, understanding the optimal
curing strategies for this specific type of cement in the Nigerian context is crucial for practical
application and for ensuring the construction of durable and safe infrastructure.
This research aims to bridge these identified gaps by systematically evaluating the strength gain rate of
Nigerian-based Portland Limestone Cement concrete under varied immersion periods, providing data-
driven insights into the most effective and optimized curing methodologies for the local construction
industry.
RESEARCH QUESTION
Main Research Question:
What is the optimal immersion period (water curing duration) for maximizing the 28-day compressive
strength of concrete made with Nigerian Portland Limestone Cement (CEM II), considering subsequent
air curing?
Sub-Research Questions (to help answer the main question):
• How do varying initial water immersion durations (e.g., 7, 14, 21 days) followed by air curing
affect the strength gain rate of Nigerian Portland Limestone Cement concrete compared to
continuous water curing and continuous air curing?
• Does the type of Nigerian Portland Limestone Cement (CEM II) significantly influence the
optimal immersion period required to achieve maximum 28-day compressive strength?
• To what extent do different concrete grades (M15, M20, M25) influence the effectiveness of
varying immersion periods on their 28-day compressive strength gain?
• At what point does continued water immersion potentially lead to a plateau or diminished
relative strength gain compared to a transition to air curing for Nigerian Portland Limestone
Cement concrete?
METHODOLOGY
This section outlines the detailed experimental procedures that will be employed to achieve the research
objectives and answer the stated research questions.
Research Design:
This study will employ a comparative experimental research design to evaluate the strength gain rate of
Nigerian Portland Limestone Cement concrete under various curing regimes. The primary independent
variable will be the immersion period (curing duration), while the dependent variable will be the
compressive strength of the concrete cubes. Different cement types and concrete grades will be included
as additional variables to provide a comprehensive analysis.
Materials:
The following materials will be utilized for the concrete mixes:
1. Cement: Four different brands of Nigerian Portland Limestone Cement (CEM II) will be used:
Dangote Cement, BUA Cement, Lafarge Water Shield Cement, and Unicem Cement.
2. Fine Aggregate: Locally sourced river sand, free from impurities, will be used as fine aggregate
for all concrete mixes to ensure consistency.
3. Coarse Aggregate: Crushed granite, with a maximum aggregate size of 20mm, will serve as
the coarse aggregate for all mixes to minimize variability in results.
4. Water: Potable water, fit for drinking, will be used for both mixing and curing purposes to
avoid any contaminants that could affect concrete properties.
5. Admixtures: No chemical admixtures will be used in this study.
Mix Design:
The concrete mixes will be designed for three target grades: M15, M20, and M25. Volumetric batching,
calculated based on the required number of cubes and then converted to mass batching for precision,
will be adopted for proportioning the materials. The nominal mix ratios to be targeted are:
• M15: 1:2:4 (Cement : Fine Aggregate : Coarse Aggregate)
• M20: 1:1.5:3 (Cement : Fine Aggregate : Coarse Aggregate)
• M25: 1:1:2 (Cement : Fine Aggregate : Coarse Aggregate)
A water-cement ratio ranging from 0.40 to 0.45 will be maintained for all mixes, adjusted to achieve
workable consistency as confirmed by the slump test.
d) Specimen Preparation
Standard concrete cube specimens, measuring 150mm x 150mm x 150mm, will be cast. The total
number of cubes required for the entire study will be 396 cubes, calculated as follows:
• For Continuous Water Curing (WC-28) and Continuous Air Curing (AC-28) regimes: 4 (cement
types) × 3 (concrete grades) × 4 (crushing ages: 7, 14, 21, 28 days) × 3 (replicates/test age) =
144 cubes per regime.
• For the three Partial Water-Air Curing regimes (WC-7/AC-21, WC-14/AC-14, WC-21/AC-7):
4 (cement types)} × 3 (concrete grades) × 3 (replicates/test age) = 36 cubes per regime.
(Note: These partial curing cubes will only be crushed at 28 days to assess their final strength after
the varied immersion periods).
Therefore, the total number of cubes will be 144 (WC-28) + 144 (AC-28) + 36 (WC-7/AC-21) + 36
(WC-14/AC-14) + 36 (WC-21/AC-7) = 396 cubes.
Curing Regimes:
Upon demoulding, the concrete cubes will be subjected to the following five distinct curing regimes for
a total duration of 28 days:
1. Continuous Water Curing (WC-28): Cubes will be fully immersed in potable water at room
temperature for the entire 28-day period.
2. Continuous Air Curing (AC-28): Cubes will be kept exposed to the ambient laboratory air
conditions for the entire 28-day period.
3. Partial Water-Air Curing (WC-7/AC-21): Cubes will be immersed in water for the first 7 days,
then removed and allowed to air cure for the subsequent 21 days.
4. Partial Water-Air Curing (WC-14/AC-14): Cubes will be immersed in water for the first 14
days, then removed and allowed to air cure for the subsequent 14 days.
5. Partial Water-Air Curing (WC-21/AC-7): Cubes will be immersed in water for the first 21 days,
then removed and allowed to air cure for the subsequent 7 days.
Testing Procedures:
➢ Crushing Schedule: Compressive strength tests will be performed at the ages of 7 days, 14
days, 21 days, and 28 days from the date of casting for the Continuous Water Curing (WC-28)
and Continuous Air Curing (AC-28) specimens. For the Partial Water-Air Curing regimes
(WC-7/AC-21, WC-14/AC-14, WC-21/AC-7), compressive strength tests will be conducted
only at 28 days to evaluate the ultimate strength gain resulting from the varied initial immersion
periods.
Data Analysis:
The collected compressive strength data for each curing regime, cement type, and concrete grade at
different ages will be systematically recorded. The analysis will primarily involve graphical
representation to visualize trends in strength gain rates. Mean compressive strength values will be
calculated for each set. Further statistical analysis, such as Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), may be
employed to determine the statistical significance of differences between the mean strengths obtained
from various curing methods, cement types, and concrete grades, thus identifying the optimal
immersion period.
SIGNIFICANCE
This research holds significant importance and is poised to deliver substantial contributions to both the
theoretical understanding and practical application of concrete technology, particularly within the
Nigerian construction landscape.
Firstly, this study will provide a crucial overlay of concrete strength gain optimization, specifically
focusing on the influence of varied immersion periods on Nigerian-based Portland Limestone Cement
(CEM II) concrete. It will significantly contribute to existing theoretical knowledge by systematically
investigating the often-overlooked effects of transitioning from water to air curing at different stages of
hydration. By comparing the strength development of partial water-air cured concrete against
continuously water-cured and air-cured specimens, this research will challenge conventional
assumptions and provide empirical data on the actual "best" or optimal curing regimen for achieving
maximum 28-day compressive strength. This in-depth analysis will enrich the academic understanding
of cement hydration kinetics under different moisture availabilities, particularly for CEM II, where
specific local data is currently limited.
Secondly, the findings will have direct and profound practical implications for the civil engineering and
construction industry in Nigeria. Concrete is the predominant construction material in the region, and
optimizing its strength gain rate through efficient curing methods can lead to:
• Enhanced Structural Performance: By identifying the most effective curing strategies, the study
will enable the construction of more robust, durable, and safer concrete structures, reducing the
risk of premature failures and extending the lifespan of infrastructure.
• Optimized Resource Utilization: Understanding the precise duration for optimal water
immersion will help avoid over-curing, leading to more efficient use of water resources, which
can be critical in areas facing water scarcity.
• Cost-Effectiveness and Time Savings: Optimized curing protocols can potentially streamline
construction processes, reduce labour requirements for prolonged curing, and minimize the
need for rework or repairs due to inadequate strength, thereby leading to overall cost savings
for projects.
• Improved Quality Control: The research will provide data-driven guidelines for practitioners,
assisting engineers and contractors in implementing superior curing practices and improving
the overall quality control of concrete production on-site.
Finally, the localized focus on Nigerian Portland Limestone Cement (CEM II) adds a unique and critical
dimension to the research. Given its widespread use in Nigeria, understanding its specific response to
various curing environments is paramount. This study will fill a vital data gap, offering contextually
relevant insights that account for local material properties, climate, and construction realities.
Ultimately, by promoting best practices for concrete curing, this research will contribute to the
sustainable development of infrastructure in Nigeria, fostering economic growth and improving public
safety.
TIMELINE
The proposed project will be executed over an approximate 6-month period, commencing in August
2025 and concluding in April 2026, allowing for a final month buffer before potential submission
deadlines. The major activities and their estimated durations are outlined below:
S/N ACTIVITY ESTIMATED DURATION START DATE END DATE
1 Project proposal 1 weeks July 2025 (wk 3) July 2025 (wk 4)
finalization and
approval
2 Material 3 days July 2025 (wk 4) July 2025 (wk 4)
Procurement &
Initial Testing
3 Mix Design 1 week August 2025 August 2025
Validation & Pre- (wk 1) (wk 1)
Casting Prep
4 Specimen Casting 3 weeks August 2025 August 2025
(wk 1) (wk 3)
5 Curing & 4 weeks August 2025 September 2025
Maintenance of (wk 4) (wk 4)
Specimens
6 Compressive 4 weeks August 2025 September 2025
Strength Testing & (wk 4) (wk 4)
Data Collection
7 Data Analysis & 1 weeks October 2025 October 2025
Interpretation (wk 1) (wk 2)
8 Report Writing & 1 month October 2025 November
Thesis Preparation (wk 2) (wk 2)
9 Presentation/Defense 1 week November 2025 November 2025
Preparation (wk 3) (wk 4)
10 Final Review & 2 weeks December 2025 December 2025
Submission (wk 1) (wk 3)
Notes on Timeline:
• Activities 5 and 6 (Curing and Testing) will run concurrently. Curing begins immediately after
casting, and tests (7, 14, 21, 28 days) are performed on an ongoing basis from the casting
dates.
• The timeline provides a realistic allocation of time for each major phase, culminating in
sufficient time for final report refinement and defense preparation.
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