Sustainability of Internally-Cured Concrete for Mitigating Shrinkage Cracking Using Service Life Prediction Models

Internal curing using fine lightweight aggregate is an effective method to address early-age cracking. This study focuses on the sustainability of using fine lightweight aggregates for internally curing concrete. Application of fine lightweight aggregates has a positive influence on transport properties of concrete and enhances the durability and service life of concrete infrastructure. These properties contribute to the performance of those infrastructures in various environments and climate zones. This paper highlights the sustainability of internal curing application through cost, energy, and emission analyses based on existing service life prediction models and using transport properties of internally-cured concrete obtained through experimental investigations. Presented methodology covers data acquisition and refinement procedures to perform such analyses. Analysis includes a range of concrete applications to simulate current trends in concrete market. Results highlight quantitative sustainability performance measures, such as energy and emissions in addition to cost and time for selected applications in parking structures and bridge decks.