Curing Of Concrete and Its Methods
What Is Curing Of Concrete?
The process of protecting the moisture of concrete surface and enhancing the hydration of cement is understood as curing. The physical properties of concrete totally depend upon the hydration of cement. If curing isn't done properly concrete are going to be did not acquire its full strength. Improper curing can also lead the concrete to crack.
Purpose Of Curing:
- To finish the hydration process between cement and water.
- To realize the utmost strength of concrete.
- To stop the concrete structure from cracking.
Methods Of Concrete Curing
Shading
By this method, the evaporation of water is locked within the concrete surface. It also protects the surface from heat, wind, etc. In cold climates, it prevents the concrete from freezing by preserving the warmth of hydration of cement.
Covering The Surface
In this method, the concrete surface is roofed with wet gunny bags or waterproof papers to avoid water loss and to guard the concrete from further damage. This method gives satisfactory results for concrete slabs and pavements.
Sprinkling Water
In this method, water is sprayed on the concrete with the assistance of nozzles at proper intervals. This method isn't so effective thanks to the problem of keeping the concrete surface be moist all the time.
Ponding
Ponding is that the commonest method that's adopted for curing concrete floors, slabs, pavements, etc. during this method, the concrete surface is first covered with a moist wrapper for twenty-four hours.
After that, the covers are then removed and alittle amount of clay puddles are constructed around all the world . Then water is filled for final curing.
Membrane Curing
In this method concrete surface is roofed by waterproof membranes or sealing compounds like bitumen emulsion, wax, rubber latex emulsion, water repellant, plastic films, etc.
The membrane protects the water loss from concrete. it's seen membrane curing for 28 days gives equivalent strength to 2 weeks of moist curing.
Steam Curing
Steam curing is completed by increasing the temperature of concrete in wet conditions. This method allows the concrete to realize its full strength within a brief time, thus curing is additionally finished within a brief time. Steam curing is usually adopted for the assembly of precast members.
