Minimum Concrete Curing Time

The curing period should be as long as practical. Atmospheric temperature plays a crucial role within the process of curing because it affects the hydration process which is an chemical reaction .

Maintaining proper temperature is additionally essential because it also determines the curing time. for many concrete structures, the curing period at temperatures above 5° C shouldn't be but 7 days or until 70% of the required compressive or flexural strength is achieved.

The period might be reduced to a minimum of three days if high early strength cement is employed and therefore the temperature is above 10°C.

As per IS 456 - 2000, concrete shouldn't be cured but 7 days for OPC, & 10 days for concrete with mineral admixtures or blended cement.

In case of weather and dry temperature conditions, the minimum curing period should be 10 Days for ordinary hydraulic cement and 14 days for concrete with mineral admixtures and blended cement.

The curing time depends on the subsequent factors

1. Types of structural members.
2. Size and Shape of the member.
3. Type of cement used,
4. Mixture proportions,
5. The required strength of concrete.
6. Grades of concrete.
7. Atmospheric temperature.
8. Method of curing.