Relationship between drying rates and mechanical properties in refractory concretes

Abstract

The effect of drying rates on compressive strength was investigated in two aluminosilicate refractory concretes with different water content, which were cured at room temperature and dried at 3 heating rates (30, 40 and 50°C/h) up to 260ºC with different holding times. The results show that the lightweight refractory concrete developed better mechanical resistance with 48% of water content and heating rate of 40ºC/h, while for dense refractory concrete the best conditions were 12% of water content with heating rates of 30ºC/h, both during 2 hours of holding time.