Curing of Concrete
f) Curing
The process of keeping the concrete moist or wet for certain time period after finishing & setting is called curing.
Concrete is cured for minimum 7-10 days normally in order to:
1- Complete the hydration process.
2- Gain the strength of concrete.
Any one of the following methods is normally adopted for curing:
i) By wet jute bags
ii) By ponding
iii) By sprinkling water
iv) By immersing in water pond
v) By steam
vi) By adding construction chemicals
Concrete made with ordinary and sulphate resistant cements should be cured for at least 08 days, while that made with low-heat cement for at least 14 days. Concrete made with high-early-strength cement should be kept moist until sufficient strength has been attained, as indicated by test cylinders.
Curing by wet JuteBags
In this method, the concrete surface to be cured is covered with wet jute bags and upon drying of these bags sprinkling of water is done to keep them moist. This process is continued till the curing period is over. This method is suitable for small horizontal as well as vertical surfaces.
By Ponding
In this method, the concrete surface to be cured is filled (ponding is done) with the water till the curing period is over. This method is suitable for horizontal surfaces.
By Sprinkling Water
In this method, water is continuously sprinkled on the vertical surfaces till the curing time is over.
By Immersing in Water Pond
This is adopted for pre-cast concrete members. In this method, the precast members are immersed in water till the curing period is over.
By Steam
This method is used for pre-cast concrete members and steam under pressure is sprayed over the concrete structure. Steam curing quickens the hardening of concrete and reduces the time period of curing.
By Adding Construction Chemicals
In this method, certain construction chemicals are added to stop / reduce the evaporation of water from the concrete. No typical curing is required.
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