Technologies and Solutions

Biodegradable Gel Curing Construction Method: GETT Cure

GETT Cure is a construction method that was conceived to prevent early age cracking (plastic shrinkage cracking) of the top surface of concrete and quality deterioration of the surface layer, which occur at a very early material age before curing is performed by a conventional wet mat, etc. (i.e., immediately after concrete placing). As the principle of this construction method, a biodegradable gel layer is formed on the top surface of the concrete. The water contained in the gel dries before the concrete, and drying of the top layer of the concrete can be suppressed during the period when the gel remains, thereby preventing early age cracking and quality deterioration.

Biodegradable Gel Curing Construction Method: GETT Cure

GETT Cure application method and view of gel spreading work

Compressive strength ratio of concrete surface layer

Application to superstructure concrete of breakwater

Features

  • The biodegradable gel is a material that forms crosslinks in molecular chains when irradiated with an electron beam or γ rays in CMC, and therefore has an excellent shape-retaining property and water absorbency.
  • Can suppress strength deterioration of the concrete surface layer accompanying drying at very early material age.
  • Densification of the concrete surface layer results in a reduced coefficient of air permeability, thereby improving durability.
  • Because shrinkage strain of the concrete in the very early age stage is reduced, early age cracking (plastic shrinkage cracking) can also be reduced.
  • A plant-derived materials is used as the raw material of the gel generally; as a result, the gel is biodegradable and thus is a safe, low environmental load material.