Date Approved
7-6-2026
Embargo Period
7-5-2028
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
M.S. Civil Engineering
Department
Civil and Environmental Engineering
College
Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering
Advisor
Islam Mantawy, Ph.D.
Committee Member 1
Gilson Lomboy, Ph.D.
Committee Member 2
Hazem ElAnwar, Ph.D.
Committee Member 3
Amir Malakooti, Ph.D.
Committee Member 4
Shahriar Abubakri, Ph.D.
Keywords
Cold Weather Concrete;Early age strength;Electric Curing;Fiber reinforced concrete;Joule Heating;Low temperature curing
Disciplines
Civil and Environmental Engineering | Civil Engineering | Engineering
Abstract
This thesis investigates the performance of electrically cured concrete under severe cold weather conditions at 5 °F (-15 °C) in three stages: Stage 1: beams, Stage 2: small-scale slabs, and Stage 3: mid-scale slabs. It also examines the feasibility of scaling the research from laboratory-scale beam specimens to mid-scale concrete slab applications. The study evaluates the thermal and electrical behavior of different concrete mixes, as well as their early-age and late-age strength development. Two electrode configurations were evaluated for the slabs: metal sheets and steel rebar mesh. Different concrete specimen sizes were tested to assess the scalability of the application. The application of electric current immediately after casting maintained the internal temperature of the concrete for 48 hours and enhanced strength development. The results showed that electrically cured specimens achieved higher compressive strength than cold-cured specimens, while the addition of steel and carbon fibers improved flexural strength. Porosity results also showed an inverse relationship between void ratio and compressive strength. Steel rebar meshes outperformed metal sheets in concrete slab applications. Overall, the findings demonstrate the potential of electric curing as a practical solution for large-scale applications, enabling concrete construction in colder months while maintaining structural performance and sustainability.
Recommended Citation
Masbouba, Mohamed, "ELECTRIC CURING OF CONCRETE AT SUBFREEZING TEMPERATURE: TOWARDS FIELD-SCALE IMPLEMENTATION" (2026). Theses and Dissertations. 3549.
https://rdw.rowan.edu/etd/3549
