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CURING PROCESS

Please discuss the questions below:

I. Why curing process is so important?

Curing is the process of controlling the rate and extent of moisture loss from concrete to ensure
an uninterrupted hydration of Portland cement after concrete has been placed and finished in its
final position. Furthermore, curing also ensures to maintain an adequate temperature of concrete
in its early ages, as this directly affects the rate of hydration of cement and eventually the strength
gain of concrete or mortars. Curing of concrete must begin as soon as possible after placement &
finishing and must continue for a reasonable period of time as per the relevant standards, for the
concrete to achieve its desired strength and durability. Besides, uniform temperature should also
be maintained throughout the concrete depth to avoid thermal shrinkage cracks. Also protective
measures to control moisture loss from the concrete surface are essential to prevent plastic
shrinkage cracks.

II. By ignoring the proper way of curing process, how it will affect the building structure?
The building structure will get:
1. Due to higher permeability, the durability decreases.
2. Decrease in compressive and flexural strengths.
3. The weathering and fast resistances are decreased.
4. The chances of ingress of atmospheric chemicals and chlorides are increased.
5. Due to plastic shrinkage, drying shrinkage and thermal effects the cracks are armed.
6. The abrasion resistance is lowered on account of coating the surfaces with sad and dust.
7. The carbonation rate enhances.

III. Explain comprehensively one (1) method of concrete curing

MEMBRANE CURING
The method of curing described above come under the category of moist curing. Another method
of curing is to cover the wetted concrete surface by a layer of water proof material, which is kept
in contact with the concrete surface of seven days. This method of curing is termed as membrane
curing. A membrane will prevent the evaporation of water from the concrete. The membrane can
be either in solid or liquid form. They are also known as sealing compounds. Bituminised water
proof papers, wax emulsions, bitumen emulsions and plastic films are the common types of
membrane used.
Whenever bitumen is applied over the surface for curing, it should be done only after 24 hours
curing with gunny bags. The surface is allowed to dry out so that loose water is not visible and
then the liquid asphalt sprayed throughout. The moisture in the concrete is thus preserved. It is
quite enough for curing.
This method of curing does not need constant supervision. It is adopted with advantage at places
where water is not available in sufficient quantity for wet curing. This method of curing is not
efficient as compared with wet curing because rate of hydration is less. Moreover, the strength
of concrete cured by any membrane is less than the concrete which is moist cured. When
membrane is damaged the curing is badly affected.