Importance of curing concrete
Curing concrete is a vital but often overlooked step in any concrete project if you want the result to be strong and durable. This stage takes place after the concrete has been poured, but before it can be used for its intended purpose. So why is curing concrete so important? In this blog post, we will explore the wide-reaching benefits of properly cured concrete, as well as bust some common myths.
What is curing and what does it do to the concrete?
Curing is the process of preventing moisture loss from freshly poured concrete and ensuring that it sets properly. Curing helps to ensure that chemical reactions take place within the concrete surface, enabling it to reach its full strength and durability. Without proper curing, the internal structure of the concrete will never fully develop and the result will be weak, prone to damage, and more susceptible to weathering.
There are three main functions of curing:
1) Maintaining Mixing Water In Concrete During The Early Hardening Process
As concrete hardens, its strength is dependent on the water content within it. Properly curing concrete helps to prevent excessive moisture loss during the early hardening stages, preserving the strength of the concrete.
Ponding And Immersion
As concrete hardens, its strength is dependent on the water content within it. Properly curing concrete helps to prevent excessive moisture loss during the early hardening stages, preserving the strength of the concrete.
Spraying And Fogging
Another common curing method is spraying and fogging. This technique uses water to create a mist over the concrete, which helps to slow down moisture evaporation.
Saturated Wet Coverings
This technique involves placing a damp material over the concrete and leaving it in place until the concrete sets. The material traps the moisture, keeping it trapped close to the surface of the concrete and preventing it from escaping.
Left-In-Place Forms
This method is usually used when the concrete has been poured into a form and then left to cure in place. The form helps to keep the desired moisture in the concrete, resulting in stronger and more durable concrete.
2) Reducing the loss of mixing water from the surface of the concrete
For proper curing measures must be taken to reduce the amount of water that is lost from concrete surfaces, ensuring that it remains well-hydrated during its early stages of hardening. This helps to reduce cracking and other damage that can be caused by excessive moisture loss during the curing period.
Covering concrete with impervious paper or plastic sheets
One of the most common ways to prevent moisture loss from the surface of the concrete during the curing period is to cover it with impervious paper or plastic sheets. This helps to trap the moisture within the surface of the concrete and prevent it from evaporating. It is also important to minimize plastic shrinkage cracking otherwise you will end up with poorly cured weak concrete surfaces.
Applying membrane-forming curing compounds
Another common way to reduce moisture loss from the surface of the concrete is to apply a membrane-forming curing compound. These compounds help to create a layer on the surface of the concrete that helps to trap sufficient moisture within it, preventing it from evaporating during the curing period.
3) Accelerating strength gain using heat and additional moisture
Live steam
Live steam curing is a method that uses live steam to heat the concrete and then humidity from the steam helps to hydrate it.
Heating coils
Heating coils are another method that involves placing electric resistance heating coils in the concrete and then supplying them with electricity. This helps to heat the concrete, resulting in accelerated strength gain and a stronger and more durable result.
Electrical heated forms or pads
Electrical heated forms or pads are another methods that involve placing electrical resistance heating coils in a form or pad and then supplying them with electricity.
Concrete blankets
Finally, concrete blankets are a method that uses insulated blankets to cover the concrete. These blankets help to keep the heat in and accelerate the strength gain of the concrete, especially during cold weather concreting.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR CONCRETE TO CURE?
The curing period for fresh concrete depends on a variety of factors, such as the type and mix of concrete used, additional curing compounds, weather conditions, and the curing methods used. Generally speaking, the minimum curing period will be at least 28 days to reach its maximum strength. However, more complex mixes may need longer curing times, up to 90 days or more. In any case, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and allow adequate time for the concrete to properly cure. Doing so will ensure that your concrete has the maximum strength and durability possible.
Curing for Compressive Strength of Concrete
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR CONCRETE TO CURE?
The curing period for fresh concrete depends on a variety of factors, such as the type and mix of concrete used, additional curing compounds, weather conditions, and the curing methods used. Generally speaking, the minimum curing period will be at least 28 days to reach its maximum strength. However, more complex mixes may need longer curing times, up to 90 days or more. In any case, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and allow adequate time for the concrete to properly cure. Doing so will ensure that your concrete has the maximum strength and durability possible.
Curing for Compressive Strength of Concrete
While the curing process is important for ensuring that concrete has the maximum strength and durability possible, it can also be used to increase its compressive strength. Compressive strength is the ability of concrete to resist compressive forces, such as those that occur when pressure is applied. Increasing the compressive strength of concrete can help to make it more durable and resistant to damage.
A Sensor for Temperature and Strength Monitoring
To ensure that the concrete cures properly and to monitor the strength gain of the concrete, a sensor can be used. These sensors measure the temperature of the concrete and track its strength gain over time. This helps to ensure that the proper curing is being done and that the maximum strength and durability of the concrete is being achieved.
What happens if the concrete is not cured?
If concrete is not properly cured, it will be weaker and more prone to cracking and other damage. This can affect the structural integrity of the concrete and reduce its lifespan. It is therefore important to ensure that concrete is properly cured before putting it into service.
Conclusion
Concrete curing is an essential chemical process for achieving the strongest, most durable concrete possible. Different curing methods can be used to reduce moisture loss from the surface of concrete and accelerate strength gain. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and allow adequate time for concrete to properly cure, as failure to do so can reduce the strength and lifespan of the concrete. Taking the time to properly cure your concrete will ensure that you get the most out of it for years to come.