Performance Evaluation of Self-Curing Concrete Incorporating Polyethylene Glycol and Fly Ash for Sustainable Construction

  • Unique Paper ID: 201502
  • Volume: 12
  • Issue: 12
  • PageNo: 4166-4173
  • Abstract:
  • Adequate curing is essential for ensuring proper hydration, microstructural development, and long-term performance of concrete; however, conventional curing methods are often ineffective in water-scarce environments. This study investigates self-curing concrete using polyethylene glycol (PEG) as an internal curing agent and fly ash as a supplementary cementitious material. PEG enhances internal moisture retention by reducing surface tension and sustaining hydration, while fly ash contributes to secondary pozzolanic reactions, improving strength and durability. Concrete mixes of M20 grade were prepared with varying PEG dosages (0.2–0.9%) and fly ash replacement levels (5–20%). Mechanical properties, including compressive and flexural strength, were evaluated and compared with conventionally cured concrete. Results indicate improved hydration, reduced shrinkage, and enhanced strength in self-curing mixes. The optimal combination of 0.7% PEG and 10% fly ash demonstrated superior performance. This approach promotes sustainable construction by reducing water demand and cement consumption.

Copyright & License

Copyright © 2026 Authors retain the copyright of this article. This article is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

BibTeX

@article{201502,
        author = {P.S Harsha and Dr. K.SURESH and O.Vijay Teja and P.Swathi},
        title = {Performance Evaluation of Self-Curing Concrete Incorporating Polyethylene Glycol and Fly Ash for Sustainable Construction},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {12},
        number = {12},
        pages = {4166-4173},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=201502},
        abstract = {Adequate curing is essential for ensuring proper hydration, microstructural development, and long-term performance of concrete; however, conventional curing methods are often ineffective in water-scarce environments. This study investigates self-curing concrete using polyethylene glycol (PEG) as an internal curing agent and fly ash as a supplementary cementitious material. PEG enhances internal moisture retention by reducing surface tension and sustaining hydration, while fly ash contributes to secondary pozzolanic reactions, improving strength and durability.
Concrete mixes of M20 grade were prepared with varying PEG dosages (0.2–0.9%) and fly ash replacement levels (5–20%). Mechanical properties, including compressive and flexural strength, were evaluated and compared with conventionally cured concrete. Results indicate improved hydration, reduced shrinkage, and enhanced strength in self-curing mixes. The optimal combination of 0.7% PEG and 10% fly ash demonstrated superior performance. This approach promotes sustainable construction by reducing water demand and cement consumption.},
        keywords = {Self-curing concrete, Polyethylene glycol (PEG), Fly ash, cementitious material, pozzolanic reactions, microstructural development},
        month = {May},
        }

Cite This Article

Harsha, P., & K.SURESH, D., & Teja, O., & P.Swathi, (2026). Performance Evaluation of Self-Curing Concrete Incorporating Polyethylene Glycol and Fly Ash for Sustainable Construction. International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology (IJIRT), 12(12), 4166–4173.

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