Curing concrete is a part of construction that is not very evident. It is a process to ensure the concrete becomes strong, durable, and long-lasting. Let’s take a closer look into how that happens
Just like we discussed earlier, curing is all about giving concrete the maximum strength and durability it can get. Concrete that has been cured properly can withstand heavy loads, resist cracking, and survive harsh weather conditions for years to come. It can all go the opposite way if you skip or rush the curing process.
Curing concrete is a completely technical process. Let’s see if we can look at it in a simple manner
The curing process begins as soon as you pour the concrete. The concrete will start to harden at this point. But you need to keep it moist so the concrete gets time to strengthen
You can choose any one of the number of ways to keep the concrete moist. The only goal at this point is to make sure that the surface does not dry out too quickly.
The whole process of curing can last up to anywhere from 7 to 28 days, depending on your project’s specifications and the weather conditions of the location. All in all, the longer you keep your concrete moist, the better the concrete will be.
You need to keep the concrete at a temperature that is neither too hot nor too cold during curing. Because if the water is too hot, it evaporates too fast. If it is too cold, the curing process can become too slow that it can even stop.
Curing Concrete has a lot of uses that make it so crucial in the construction industry
Be it a building, road or bridge, curing the concrete of your structure will make it strong enough to handle the load it will have to bear. Without curing properly, the concrete may not reach its full potential.
Curing makes concrete resistant to cracks and wear over time
Properly cured concrete is more resistant to water penetration. This can prove quite advantageous in the case of foundations, roads and other structures that may be exposed to moisture over time
The durability and strength of cured concrete can save you substantial repair costs in the long run. Read more Everything You Need to Know About Concrete Hacking
Let’s dive into different methods you can use. Which method you choose should depend on the project and conditions
Water Curing or Wet Curing is one of the most common methods used in curing concrete. In this process, you keep the concrete wet by periodically spraying water on it or covering it with a damp material like a burlap sack or something like that. The idea is to keep the concrete from drying out. Even though it is an effective method in hot conditions, you must have a constant water source to keep the area wet. It can also be quite labour-intensive.
You can also Cover the concrete with a Plastic Sheet or a Waterproof membrane. This covering traps the moisture inside, slowing down the drying process. It is a simple process requiring little water and is suitable for smaller projects. but you need to be extremely careful about covering the entire surface, or parts of the concrete may dry out too quickly.
You can also cure concrete by spraying certain chemical compounds onto the surface of the concrete. This compound forms a thin film that prevents moisture from escaping. This process is called chemical curing. It is easy to perform and works amazingly well on large surfaces. But these chemicals may not be that eco-friendly and can sometimes leave marks on the concrete
Then there is the Ponding method where you create a pond on top of the concrete surface and keep it filled with water. This method is usually used for flat surfaces like slabs or floors; They are very effective but use a lot of water.
The steam curing method is mostly used in factories or when you need the harden the concrete quickly. In this method, you expose the concrete to steam which speeds up the curing process. But it is an expensive process that requires special equipment.