How
is concrete cured?
The
water is held in concrete two primary ways:
- Wet
curing the concrete by keeping it constantly wet for
a minimum of 7 days. This is done by ponding, immersion,
spraying or fogging, or applying saturated wet coverings
such as burlap.
- Sealing
the surface of the fresh concrete to prevent water from
leaving. Typical methods include covering the concrete
with impervious paper or plastic sheets or by applying
a curing compound to form a membrane on the surface.
Each
curing method has advantages and disadvantages. The
method or combination of methods used may depend on availability,
size and shape of the concrete, the location, environment
or economics.Wet
curing by flooding the surface continuously with water
is the best way to cure concrete. To be effective,
wet curing must last at least 7 days. It is important
that the concrete not be allowed to dry between soakings. Alternate
wetting and drying of the surface actually damages the
concrete.Membrane
curing is the most common method of curing new concrete. Curing
compounds can be waxes, resins, chlorinated rubbers, styrene
acrylics or epoxies. Advantages of using a curing
compound over moist curing include ease of application,
cost effectiveness and the extended curing action provided
beyond the 7 days required for wet curing.
What
types of curing compounds are there?
Membrane
forming curing compounds are of two general types; clear
or white pigmented. Clear curing compounds may contain
a fugitive dye (usually red) that make it easier to visually
check for complete covering of the concrete surface when
the compound is applied. The dye will face after
several days. White pigmented curing compounds have
the added benefit of light reflectivity to aid in keeping
the concrete cool improving the hydration process.
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