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Water Absorption in Internally Cured Mortar Made with Water-Filled Lightweight Aggregate
Published
Author(s)
Ryan Henkensiefken, Javier Castro, Dale P. Bentz, Tommy Nantung, Jason Weiss
Abstract
The increased propensity for shrinkage cracking in low w/c concrete has spawned the development of new technologies that can reduce the risk of early-age cracking. One of these is internal curing. Internal curing uses saturated lightweight aggregate to supply curing water to low w/c paste as it hydrates. Significant research has been performed to determine the effects of internal curing on shrinkage and stress development; however, relatively little detailed information exists about the effects of internal curing on the fluid transport properties such as water absorption or diffusivity. This study examines the absorption of water into mortar specimens made with saturated lightweight aggregates (SLWA). These results indicate that the inclusion of SLWA can reduce the water absorption of mortar specimens. This observation was reinforced with electrical conductivity measurements that exhibited similar reductions.
Henkensiefken, R.
, Castro, J.
, Bentz, D.
, Nantung, T.
and Weiss, J.
(2009),
Water Absorption in Internally Cured Mortar Made with Water-Filled Lightweight Aggregate, Cement and Concrete Research, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=901394
(Accessed October 10, 2025)