Curing concrete is defined as providing adequate moisture, temperature, and time to allow the concrete to achieve the desired properties for its intended use
Why is curing of concrete necessary?
Concrete Curing plays an important role on strength development and durability of concrete. It involves maintenance of desired moisture and temperature conditions, both at depth and near the surface, for extended periods of time
How many days is the curing of concrete?
The duration of curing concrete depends on a number of factors. For instance if there is less water, the concrete will cure more quickly. This is because there are fewer bonds to make, meaning your full-strength concrete may not be as strong as you need or expect it to be.
If there is too much water, it will take longer to cure and you may see flaking on the top layer of concrete. Other factors include temperature and whether an accelerant was added to the mix.
What are the main methods of curing concrete?
1.Spraying or Fogging Method
Curing by spraying of water or fogging is one of the conventional methods of curing concrete in the construction industry. It can be an efficient method for curing by supplying additional moisture during hot weather. By using nozzles or sprayers, water is sprayed on the concrete members, which are to be cured.
2.Wet Covering
Wet curing is a method of maintaining the surface moisture level by placing materials like hessian. Use of gunnery bae is also common.
These covering shall place on the concrete surface when it hardens enough to work to please covers. Further, the drying of the concrete surface shall not be allowed due to any reason.
3.Formwork Curing
Formwork is the most effective curing agent in the construction. Especially in thick concretes where the hydration temperature is high, this method is used.
Further, not cost involved as the cost is already covered under the formwork. The only concern is keeping the formwork a bit longer than usual.
4.Membrane Curing
A membrane is formed on the concrete surface to avoid the evaporation of the moisture in the concrete.
Liquid form material is sprayed over the concrete surface and it solidifies and forms a membrane. These materials can apply with brushed or roller. There are two types of membranes.
- Water-based
- Oil-based
- The water-based curing membranes are more popular than the oil base as it can be washed off with water after the curing period, and additional effort is required to remove the oil-based membranes. Acid-etched, sandblasting or chipping is required to remove the oil base membranes.
5. Sheet Curing
There are two types of the sheet used for curing
- Polythene Sheet
- Plastic Sheet
- Curing Blankets
Both the type of the sheet are sued to cure the flat surfaces usually. Polythene sheets are sued to cover the concrete slabs and columns. The sheet can be placed on the slab just after it gets hardened.
In addition, curing blankets are used as protection to the newly placed concrete. It does the same thing as another type of sheet. No evaporation of moisture from the concrete surface will exist.
6.Water curing
