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?
How many days is the curing of concrete?
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
he application of the water is done to avoid the drying of the concrete surface. Usually, this method applies when the concrete is thinner.
For example, in building construction, the curing of the floor slab can be done with this method.
There are two methods to apply the water on concrete.
- Ponding the concrete
- Use sprinklers to spread water continuously
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