Errors caused by Partial Drying of Hardened Portland Cement during Testing

Abstract

IT is known that incorrect estimates of the modulus of rupture and tensile strength may be obtained if Portland cement mortar or concrete specimens awaiting test are allowed to dry partially. Strength changes have also been observed when pozzolana-lime cement specimens begin to dry out¹, and, similarly, it has been demonstrated² that temporary reductions can develop in the modulus of rupture of road-making concretes, over a period of days, if the hardened mass is subjected to drying conditions.