Concrete Curing – The Right Time to Cure Concrete

Curing is essential for the hydration of cement in concrete making. So, to maintain required moisture content, some precautions are applied. Concrete curing compound is a compound which helps to prevent the loss of moisture content from the concrete. So, concrete is properly cured which results the full development of strength of concrete.

Types of Concrete Curing Compounds:
  • Synthetic resin compound
  • Acrylic compound
  • Wax compound
  • Chlorinated rubber compound
1. Synthetic Resin Concrete Curing Compound

Synthetic resins will seal the concrete by forming membrane. If we want to provide plastering, the membrane can be removed by washing it with hot water.

2. Acrylic Concrete Curing Compound

Acrylic is made of polymers of acrylic acid. It also seals the concrete in good manner. It is having property of adhesion to the subsequent plaster. No need to wash the surface of acrylic with hot water if we want to provide plastering.

3. Wax Concrete Curing Compound

Wax compound have similar properties like resin compound. The wax membrane will lose its efficiency with time increment.

4. Chlorinated Rubber Curing compound

Chlorinated rubber type curing compound will form thick layer when we applied. It seals the concrete tightly and also fills the minute pores present in the concrete. But the film cannot stay for longer period. It is wear out in the long run.

Uses of Concrete Curing Compound

There are so many uses of curing compound in concrete. If wet curing is not possible, then curing compound can be used to cure the concrete surface. For larger areas of concrete surfaces which are opened to sunlight, wind etc. curing is big task. But with the presence of curing compound it is easier. Curing of concrete pavements, run ways, bridge decks etc. can be cured to reach their maximum strength. Maximum durability of structure will be developed. Curing compound can be used for curing of canal linings, dams columns, beams, slabs can also be cured with curing compound The membrane can be removed easily after complete curing. Testing of concrete curing compounds can be carried out as per ASTM C 309. ASTM C 309 provides specifications and testing of concrete curing compounds.

The right time for curing of concrete

The time to start curing of concrete depends on the evaporation rate of moisture from the concrete. The evaporation rate is influenced by wind, radiant energy from sunshine, concrete temperature, climatic conditions, relative humidity.

The evaporation of moisture is driven by the difference in vapour pressure on concrete surface and in the surrounding air. When the difference is high, evaporation rate is high.

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