Use of CO₂ as an Accelerated Curing Agent for Concrete Blocks

In this project, a process was developed to cure concrete masonry blocks using CO2. It was found that the strength of concrete mixtures for block manufacture after CO2 curing was close to that after conventional steam curing. A dry pre-conditioning before CO2 curing was very critical to achieve high degree of CO2 curing. The specimen pre-conditioned in the moist environment hydrates more than those pre-conditioned in the dry environment during the pre-conditioning period. However, much less CaCO3 formed in the former that that in the latter after the CO2 curing. Thus, the CO2 curing is mainly contributed by the reactions between CO2 gas and cement clink minerals.