Abstract: To investigate the anti-cracking performance of concrete in dry and cold region with strong wind, we performed in-situ tests on C35 and C50 concrete anti-cracking rings and concrete bridge piers by changing environmental and external curing conditions. By comparing the cracking age and cracking width of the two strength-levels of concrete, we found that 1) concrete of larger strength level is more susceptible to cracking; 2) among different curing methods, maintaining heat and humidity has the optimum effect in preventing cracking for concretes of the same strength level; 3) while for concretes of different strength levels cured by the same measure, high-strength concrete is prone to cracking. Therefore, curing methods for low-strength grade concrete may not be suitable for high grade concrete which requires optimized measures.

Key words: concrete, dry and cold region with strong wind, strength level, anti-cracking performance, maintaining heat and humidity