A method of curing concrete in the cold using the fermentation heat of pruned branch chips

Abstract

Focusing on the fermentation heat in the composting process of pruned branch chip materials, we investigated a method of curing concrete in the cold using the fermentation heat, and aimed to keep the temperature of the concrete above 5°C during the curing period of 4 days. Four surveys were conducted and temperature below the tips of pruned branches were carried out. The temperatures were compared with outside temperature. As a result, we were able to maintain the temperature above 5°C for 4 days. However, the temperatures were considered that maintained by the heat retention effect of the bubble cushioning material, the blue sheet, the heat of hydration of the concrete and the fermentation heat of the chips. Regarding the change in curing temperature, there were two cases where there were strong correlation and weak correlation between the outside temperature and the curing temperature. On the other hand, the final curing temperature were generally same temperatures in any surveys, it was presumed that it was due to the setting of the experimental plot. From the above, it is considered that the fermentation heat of pruned branch chips have a certain effect in maintaining temperature in cold concrete curing.