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@article{189343,
        author = {PARUL MANGAL},
        title = {Comparative Study of Self-Curing Concrete Using Lightweight Aggregates and Hydrogel (SAP) as Internal Curing Agent},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2025},
        volume = {12},
        number = {7},
        pages = {5862-5868},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=189343},
        abstract = {Self-curing concrete, also referred to as internally cured concrete, is formulated to supply internal moisture from agents such as Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) and Superabsorbent Polymers (SAP), thereby maintaining long-term hydration. This research seeks to assess the performance of M45 grade self-curing concrete based on two self-curing agents:(i) a mixture of 50% lightweight aggregates (LWA) with 2.5% PEG-400, and (ii) 0.2% hydrogel (SAP), each added by cement weight.Concrete specimens were made using these self-curing agents and were tested for workability, compressive strength, and split tensile strength at 7, 14, and 28 days of curing. Microstructural analysis by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was also undertaken to monitor hydration development. The findings show that self-curing mixes had lower workability than conventionally cured concrete. Both LWA + PEG and SAP mixes showed around 15% higher compressive strength at 28 days. Split tensile strength decreased slightly for the LWA + PEG mix but was still close to conventional concrete in the SAP mix. SEM analysis proved enhanced hydration by the internal curing mechanism. In general, the results show self-curing concrete, especially with SAP, can enhance compressive strength but retain tensile properties on par with conventional concrete. These results indicate that self-curing agents present a real alternative for increasing concrete durability, particularly in environments where external curing is subpar.},
        keywords = {Self-curing, Light weight aggregates, Hydrogel, Cement, SAP, Compressive strength, Workability, Split tensile strength.},
        month = {December},
        }