As a part of a comprehensive study to evaluate the effects of elevated curing temperatures on hardened concrete properties, four non-air-entrained high-strength concrete (HSC) mixtures were prepared at temperatures ranging from 10 to 35°C. After mixing, 5.5 liters of concrete were placed inside a large polystyrene block to simulate temperature development in HSC structural members. The concrete temperature inside the block was continuously monitored with thermocouples, and collected temperature information was used to simultaneously temperature-match-cure (TMC) a series of compressive strength, scaling, and freeze-thaw specimens. The maximum recorded temperatures ranged from 59 to 69°C, depending on the fresh concrete temperature. Control specimens from each of the four mixtures were cured at room temperature. Based on the amount of residue collected during scaling tests in the presence of 3% NaCl solution, the TMC specimens were 7–63 times less resistant than the control specimens. However, during the freezing and thawing tests, seven of the eight TMC specimens outperformed their respective control specimens.

The objective of this research was to develop and test high performance concrete mixtures, made of locally available materials, having durability characteristics that far exceed those of conventional concrete mixtures. Based on the results from the development of high performance concrete, guidelines for a high performance concrete bridge over Burnett Creek on SR 43, just north of I-65 near West Lafayette, Indiana, will be prepared. In addition, the effects of different curing conditions, with respect to temperature and moisture conditions, were evaluated. The use of 15.2 mm (0.6 in) prestressing strand in girders made of 69 MPa (10 ksi) concrete was also evaluated with respect to pullout resistance and transfer and development lengths.