Concrete’s ability to acquire strength and durability is significantly influenced by curing. Curing includes maintaining the proper moisture and temperature conditions, both at depth and close to the surface, for extended periods of time after the placement and finishing of concrete. Concrete that has been properly cured contains enough moisture to allow for ongoing hydration, the development of strength, volume stability, resistance to freezing and thawing, and resistance to abrasion and scaling. SD Conmix has the sound knowledge to manufacture the best ready-mix concrete (RMC) to meet your construction requirements, irrespective of the project size.
What is curing?
Before knowing why curing is done, peep through and note what curing is all about.
- The prevention of moisture loss from the concrete is especially crucial if the water-cement ratio is low, if the cement has a high rate of strength development, if the concrete contains granulated blast furnace slag, or if the concrete contains pulverised fuel ash. The goal of curing is to stop the concrete from losing moisture while maintaining an acceptable temperature range.
- More specifically, the purpose of curing is to maintain the concrete in a saturated state, or as close to it as possible, until the water that was initially present in the fresh cement paste has been completely replaced by the cement’s hydration products. The curing period should also prevent the development of high-temperature gradients within the concrete.
High-quality systems are strictly employed to ensure right from the raw materials, the standards are maintained, so as not to affect curing. A high-level Team headed by an engineer, to monitor the Laboratory and Quality Control Departments at SD Conmix ensures that RMC is manufactured as per the specifications of the client. There are adequate RMC plants to supply on-time ready-to-use concrete.
Duration of curing
What should be the period of curing?
When using regular cement, exposed concrete surfaces must be consistently kept damp or wet for at least 7 days after the concrete was placed, and for at least 10 days when using blended cement or mineral admixtures.
For concrete exposed to dry and hot weather conditions, the curing period must not be shorter than 10 days.
It is advised that the aforementioned minimum times may be increased to 14 days in the event of concrete where mineral admixtures or blended cement are employed.
Factors determining curing
The following variables affect the amount of time necessary for an adequate cure:
- Mixture proportions
- Specified strength
- Concrete member size and shape
- Ambient weather
- Future exposure
Curing and impact of weather
Curing in extreme temperatures necessitates extra care. Heated enclosures, evaporation reducers, curing compounds, and insulating blankets are a few of the processes used in cold weather. Fresh concrete must be heated to a temperature over 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Due to a slower rate of strong growth, the curing period for cold-weather concrete is longer than the typical period. It is anticipated that concrete that has been cured and kept at 50 degrees Fahrenheit will gain strength half as quickly as concrete that has been treated at 73 degrees Fahrenheit. Due to the quick moisture loss from freshly laid concrete in hot temperatures, curing and protection are essential. By soaking substrate surfaces with water, the curing process actually begins before concrete is put in. For hot weather, fogging and evaporation retardants, windscreens, and sunscreens can all be employed.
Conclusion
The quality of ready-mix concrete decides its durability & strength. Curing of concrete as per specifications is required, to enhance stability. Factors deciding on the curing including the extent required vary depending on the type of cement/concrete used. For quality construction requirements, SD Conmix gives you the backup of trust.