Concrete achieves its strength through a hydraulic process known as hydration.

With the
addition of the correct amount of water, cement gels into a paste that glues sand and
aggregates together to form hardened concrete. For our purposes, this process begins in the
mixer and continues throughout the time the concrete is reaching its ultimate strength.

The climate during the concrete curing process is important for the quality of the hydration
and strength gain. The ambient temperature plays an important role in determining the speed
of the hydration process. The warmer the air, the warmer the concrete and the quicker the
concrete strength gain. The four most important aspects of the curing climate are moisture,
temperature, circulation and carbon dioxide. All four of these factors have a positive effect on
the hydration process at elevated, though controlled levels. This is important because with an
improper hydration reaction the surface of the concrete product being cured will be porous,
possibly leading to primary efflorescence and a weakened product. Technological factors are
to be considered during designing technology of works production and during control of it
«Technological factors, arising under vertical members of the skeleton-type in-situ buildings
production and influence of some onto strength and deformation characteristics of concrete».

Both, accepted technology and conditions of exploitation influence the concrete properties in
next years. Process of characteristics increase may go on up to three years (it depends on
some factors "Concrete Inhomogeneity of Vertical Cast-In-Place Elements In Skeleton-Type
Buildings" ). Resulting strength distribution may underline reserves of characteristics or, in
case of redesign against progressive failure (threat of terroristic attacks), insufficient picture,
which may help prevent failure in time.

transportation of concrete mixture

[edit] Hydration and its effect on primary efflorescence

Hydration, as mentioned previously, is a chemical reaction that takes place in the formation
of concrete structures and is the mechanism by which Portland cement gains its strength. This
reaction is caused by the mixing of cement, aggregates and water. Improper hydration on the
surface of a concrete product can cause it to have rough, honeycombed surfaces and will
leave you with a porous concrete structure. These porous concrete structures will then allow
more calcium hydroxide to reach the product’s surface causing primary efflorescence and
also weakening the structure.

As stated by the Ohio Ready Mix Concrete Association “curing concrete is one of the most
important steps in concrete construction and regrettably, one of the most neglected. Effective
curing is absolutely essential for surface durability.” The curing of concrete involves
maintaining a proper moisture vapor transmission rate (2% mvtr) immediately after concrete
placement and throughout the ensuing period of approximately 28 days.

For centuries curing concrete has been accomplished by bathing green concrete with water,
moist straw or burlap blankets. Actually, Water Curing concrete consistently for 14-28 days
remains a sound method of curing concrete, but labor conditions have rendered this method
impractical except for extremely unique projects.

During the chemical age of the 1950’s, in an attempt to reduce labor costs and increase
consistency, curing concrete with Thin Film Curing Agents came into practice. This time also
marked advent of retarders and accelerators – some of which may not have a positive affect
on concrete quality. Thin film curing agents, typically acrylic resins or wax, are designed to
remain on top of the concrete during the 28 day curing process. Even distribution and
thickness of the film layer is critical to obtain the desired mvtr - as such proper application is
critical. When functioning properly these films dissipate by the conclusion of the curing
process. However, variance in temperature, weather conditions and exposure to UV light
make the timing of this process unpredictable. If dissipation is incomplete uneven blotchy
appearance may occur. In almost all cases grinding, stripping or shot blasting is required to
commence with permanent sealing or coating, which adds additional labor cost and time cost.

During the 1980’s the US government and military began the use of Chemically Reactive
Penetrating Curing Agents containing siliconates and organo-siliconate compounds to highly
valued projects such as airport runways, bridges, tunnels and high priority applications. Tests
by the American Concrete Institute (ACI) have also demonstrated the high performance
curing properties of certain siliconates and organo-siliconate. Application is straightforward
and typically done with a low pressure garden-style sprayer. Because the chemical reaction is
predictable, the highest standards of consistency are achieved, and within 3-5 hours variables
such as temperature, weather and UV exposure become negligible. Additionally, the chemical
reaction is permanent, which permanently increases the strength as measured in pounds per
square inch (PSI), hydrophobic resistance, and oliophobic resistance of concrete. Further,
within 21 days penetrating chemically reactive cures can allow additional treatments –
densifier/hardeners, stains, epoxies and urethanes - to be applied without the added labor cost
and time cost for removal of residual film.

All national concrete authorities, American Concrete Institute, Portland Cement Association
and North American Ready Mix Concrete Association stress the importance of properly
curing concrete. Chemically Reactive Penetrating Curing Agents, once considered
prohibitively expensive, are gaining rapidly in popularity as they can provide cost effective,
reliable curing results with the added benefits of permanently improved concrete strength,
moisture resistance and dust resistance.

[edit] Carbonation and its effect on secondary

efflorescence
Secondary efflorescence is another significant problem that can be averted if the appropriate
action is taken. Secondary efflorescence appears at any stage after the initial hardening
process has ended. This can be while the concrete is stored or after the final product has been
installed. This second type of efflorescence is caused by a chemical reaction known as
carbonation that takes place on the surface of the concrete. Carbonation is a natural reaction
between the materials in cement, water and the atmosphere. That being said, this secondary
chemical reaction can be expedited and controlled in order to form this carbonation under the
surface of the concrete. This interior carbonation then remains unnoticeable and, by blocking
the concrete pores, will inhibit the formation of efflorescence on the surface of the product in
the future.

[edit] Accelerated curing of concrete and its effect on all

efflorescence
The three most widely accepted methods of accelerated curing are by using steam boilers
(provide steam at atmospheric pressure which leads to high temperatures and moisture), hot
air heating combined with misting systems (produces a higher curing temperature and
provides moisture), and direct fired vapor generators (provides a high temperature, moisture
and carbon dioxide).