Guide to Curing Concrete Reported by ACI Committee 308 es ‘Sea Dateops ee. ‘Aime ey seep abe! oe ins Cone Dong Hace ete Pe! ant Dity Kenn Hor Lay Raters ton Done ‘mec. ikey — eon er De Mave as Wan ‘Sifreetmn re Maer 8. News Sen Be H.caik Orin Soma ‘he tore Yin egy eed dae he pcs by wih Income! sore are ed Us hob pee rere connect neater f henna of ‘nici se nd Whe a cnc To ag of ‘My wine eo tpn ks ple pen ke now een eu te coe ee mene ‘Seis may moony ing hear oe: toe "Trin nth en tn nant ot ‘eeprom mi alow Ibotcenm hon on aca, pte an (ea hah onal popes ft sa maya rent ‘Sing atime on pet com cd meas pred ‘Sina a eed Mor peor cng por nd ‘tera on ru fr cue en ang ond ma coe ‘ern md for oer pci egret res (ACI Commitee Repats, Guides, Sandard Pres, nd Commentaries ar ntzded for guidance in plain. essing. exening, and inspecting constuction, Tit ocarant i itended forthe we of idviduals who ae ‘competeat crate siifcance and Timon fis ‘amen and rsomnendaton and who wil cept re7on- Si fore apicaon of the material ic contin. The American Cnc Iie dishims any td all esp ‘bly forte sated principles. The Inte ball mo be Table for any eas damage asing ere Reference this document sll ot be made in con- src documents. If tems found in is doesent re de- Sed by he AcitecvEngiee tobe a prf the conract. ocument, thy shal be renied in mandy language for igcopcaicn by the AchitecVEgioeet. a dca in hedaman Cring mena pce 1514013081 Crng means srr vd emia {econ epee se ral os (Siding aby Coe 50 and 505 oo nd Co ‘ate Coming. apes a ACI Commies 3 an 3 epee ete ing nga ere CONTENTS Chapter 1—Introduetion, p. 208-2 M—inrodiction 13.2—The ned for ering 13.3—Moise conta and tempertie contol 14 When deliberate curing procedures ae require 14.1—-Natraleondions 142 Sequnce and timing fering steps for unformed seices 1-4.3—When curing is requied for Formed surfaces 14.4 When curing is required col and bot weather 145—Daraton of ering 135 —The ering-affected roe 16 Concrete properties inlcnced by curingsean ‘el comrTeE REPORT (Chapter 2—Curng methods and materials, p.308R-12 i Seope 2.2—Use of water for curing conerte 2.3 coring methods 23.1—Fogging 23.2_Liguid-applied evaporation reducers 224 Final caring mesures, 724.1—Final curing measures based on he aplication of water 2.4.2—Final curing metho based on moist retention 25-—Termination of eurng measures 2.6-Cold.weather protection and eating 226.1—Protecton agains rapid eying in cold weather 2.62—Prtetion agains ost damage 2663 Rate of comerte seg doveaprce i cll sweater "2.64—Removal of cold-weather protection 2.1—Hat-weater protection an cing 2.8—Accelerted curing 29—Minimum curing requirements 29:1-Genera 29.2—Pactors influencing required duration of uring ‘Chapter 3—Cu for diferent typos of ‘contruction, 7 3:2 Buildings, bridges, and ther sroctres 32.1—Generl 32.2~Coring procedures 3.23—Duraion of ong 3.3—Mass conte 33.1—General 1332-Methas and duration of euing 33:3_Form removal and curing formed surfaces 3:4-Curng colored conerete lors and sabe 3.5—Otherconsrctions Chapter 4—Monitoring curing and curing ‘tlectiveness, p. S0SF22 “hi Genceal ‘42_Evalating the environmental conditions in which the concrete spaced 442.1—Estimaing evaporation rte 43—-Meane to verify the ppiation of xing ‘44 Quantitative measures ofthe impact ofcring proce. ures one emedit envionment “45 Quantative mearie ofthe imp fearing proce eres on moiste and emperase ‘66—Mauriy mahod 42.—Measurng physical properties of coneree affected by temperate nd mite contol 0 aes ering ‘Chapter 5—References, p. 2087-28. MReterenced sandar and reports $52—Ched references, CHAPTER 11 14 introduetion “Tie guide reviews and describes he sate ofthe a for curing concrete and rovidespidanc for pein caring ‘procedures. Curing practices, procodres, materials, and ‘monitcng methods are described. Although the principles and practices of curing discussed in is guide are applica ble toal types of concrete consrvtion, this document does not specially addres high-tempertre or high-pressure scceerted curing. INTRODUCTION 1.2-Detnition of curing ‘The term uring” is fequeny usedto describe the press. by which hydraulic coment concrete matures and develops arceed popes over ue sa result of te continued Araton ofthe cement inthe presence of sufcent wae nd heat. While all concrete cures wo varying levels of marty ith time the rate at which his development aks place de- pends on the saul emvizonmentsueunding the concrete fd on the measures taken to moi this environment by Titing the loss of water, eat or bt rom the conte oF by extemaly providing moisture ané heat. Te term “cu ing” i ls wed to desribe the action taken wo maintain ‘moisture and temperature conditions a fresly placed ee: ‘mentitious mitre allow hydraulic cement hyation and, {applicable pozzlanic reactions wo eceurso hat the pot tial properies ofthe mixture may develop (ACT 116R and ‘ASTM C 125). (A mixure i properly proportioned and ad- quately cued when the potential pepetes ofthe ixtre fe achieved and equal or excoed the desired properties of ‘he concrete) The eurig periods def ed as the time peiod begining st pacing, tough consdation and Gnshing, ‘and extending until the desired concrete properties have de. ‘eloped. The objectives of caring aeto prevent the los of ‘moisture from concrete and, when sealed supply adisonal ‘moisture and mainisina favorable concrete temperate for ‘ bulfcient period of ine. Prope ering allows the eamen- ‘ious material within the conerese to properly hye Hy ration refers ote chemical and physical changes tht ake place when porland cement reacts With water or participates {na porzolanie reaction. Both t depth and nea the surface, cing hata significant inlvence onthe properties of hard ‘ned concrete, sch as srenth, permeability abrasion resis tance, volume sabliy, and feastnce to feezing and ‘awing, and dicing chemicals 1.3-~Curing and the hydration of portiand cement ‘134 Mydranon of poriand cemert—Portand cement concrete fsa compocte material fm which aggregates are bound in a porous iaaix of hardened cement paste At the microscale, the hardened paste is held together by Bonds that develop between th product ofthe eatin of cement with water Similar peeduets ae formed from the rections ‘between cement water, and other cemetious materials. pysial procetca that ae ellctivly known te yea tion af the cement (Taylor 1997)! Asthe hydration process cominues, the strength of the interparticle bonding increases,{UDR To CURING CONCRETE and the intepaile porosity decreates. Figure 1.1 shows Pale of unhydrated porand coment churved though 8 fanning electron microscope In contrat to Fig 1, Fg 12 ‘Shows the development of heaton prods interparticle bonding in parally hyeated cement Figure 13 shows & single particle of parally hydrated portand cement. The Surface ofthe pail covered with he produce of hyde tin na deasly packed, randomly rend mast Known the cement gel. In hydraon, water ie required for the ‘hemical formation ofthe gel products sd or Tiling the Imicropores that develop between the ge product asthe ae being formed (Powers and Browayard 1947; Powers 1948), ‘The ae and extent of hydration depend onthe avail of water. Part and ils (198) found that a cement paste comes wo euiiteiam witha suscesively lower elaine humidity (I, he ate of cement hydration dropped sgnit- ‘any. Cement in eqiibriom with sca $0% RI hyde st only 10% the rata companion specimens in «100% RE using environment. Therefore, curing procedures entore ‘hat soficient water is vale to the cement to sastain the ‘ate ad degre of hydration necessary to achieve the desired ‘concrete properis tthe equed time ‘The water consumed inthe formation ofthe ge products is known as the chemically bound wate, or hydrate water, dts amount vars with cement composition andthe con tions of ideation. A mass racion of between 0.210028 ‘of chemically bound water i required ohydrate uni mas ‘of cement (Power and Brownyard 1987; Copeland, Kanto, snd Verbeck 1960; Mills 196). An average valu is pprox ‘mately 025 (Kosnutka and Panarese 1988; Powers 1948. ‘Assen in Fg. 1:2 and 1.3, the gel that surounde the hy rated cement ples pros, randomly oened mas. Besides the hydrate wate, additonal water adsorbed onto the surfaces and in the inerlayerspces ofthe layered gel strctre daring the hydration process. This i Known a8 pyscally bound wat, or gel water Gel water is ypclly ‘present n all concrete in sevice, even under dry ambient Condon, as is removals atmospheric presse requies heating the heed cement paste o 105 (221 F) (Neville 1956). The amouat of gl water adsorbed onto the expanding surface ofthe hyation products and ito the el posit about equal to the amount tat ie (chemically combined withthe cement" Powers 1948). The amount of gel water has ben calcul more precisely to bea mas fraction of shout 020 ofthe mass of hydeated cement (Powers 1948; Power 8 Brownyard 1947; Cok 1992; Taylor 1997), ‘Bosh he hydrate water and philly adsorbed gel water are distinct in the mirosuucture of the hardened cement Pt, yt bath ae required concent a parand cement es Nevill (1996) wits that continied hydration of te ement i posnble “oly when suifcient waters svailable ath for he chemi reactions and fr te fling of he se pes bing fred” The aun of waterconsidin the by exon of portland cementite sum of be wae ncorpoatas ysl ono the el sarfaces plu the water inorprated ii ein ey tn SSS aeons Fig 11 —Unhydrted particles of portland cement—magn- {ction 2000 (photo ered Fig 1/1 fe Soros) ‘cement—magnfiaton 100. Fig 1 3—Close-up ofa single parle of hydrated cement— ‘magnifeaion 11, 000%.ott ot eine ‘Act coumrree REPORT Leakage, (bper att pee Average for 48 he sm ton Fig 14—Compressve strength of 130 300 mm (6 12 tn) ‘jinder sa function of age Jr a vary ofcwing cond ‘ons (Kosmas and Panarese 1988). chemically into the hydrate products themselves, (Neville 1995; Powers and Brownyard 1947; Mindess and Young. 1981; Tale 197.) Because hydration can proceed only in strated space, the tll wate quirement fr comet hy tration is “abou 0:4 g of water per gram of cement pls the coring water tht mat be added to keep (he capillary pres a the paste satura” (Powers 1948). AS Tong uf- Fietent waters aval to form the hyd produc, ill the nerlayer gel spaces and ensue thal he eaton ites re ‘main watered, the cement wll continu wo hydrate un All ofthe svallabe pore spaces illed with hyaion prod ‘ete o ant all ofthe cement has hydrated ‘The key tthe development of bth suength ant durability in concrete, however, inno so much the degre to which he cement has hydrated butte degree 10 which the pores be- tween the cement parle have ben filled with hydration ‘products (Powers and Browayard 1947, Powers 1948) This 1 evidea fom the microperspective Sen in Fig. 12 and fiom the marobehavoritasrated in Fi, 1.4 and 1.5, in swhichitcan be seen hat he continued pore ling accompa ying sureined moistcuriag leads t0 a denser, songer, lese-penmeale concrete. The degree to which the pores are filed, however, depends not aly onthe degreto which be ‘zment has hydrated, bt also on he ntl volume of pores inthe pase, ths the combined importance ofthe valbilty of ering water and the nial water cemeat ao (wl). pera t Sparta at 4 28 ‘of most curing, dye Fig 1 5—tnflunce of ering on the water permeabliy of ‘mortar specimens (Rotate and Ponarere 1988} The pore volume between cement particles sen in Fig 1.2 (darker areas ofthe photograph) was xigiallyceeuped the fesh pase by the mixing water. As the vole of mi senerdecreates relative tothe volume ofthe cement, he in al porosity ofthe peste decreases as wel: Fr this eason, aster with lower mc havealower iil porosity. equa 1 reduced degree of hydration to achieve a iven degree of ore filing. This is clearly demonstrated in ig 15, which Shows the combined effects of caring and wie Forte parc- ‘lar morar specimens teste, leakage rate of 24 kgh?®, (OS Tut) wat achieved after 21 days of met curing for {we of O80. The same level of permeability, and same de re of pore filing, was reached afer 10days for wle= 0.64, nd 25 days for we = 0.50 “Thisinteraction of ering and wc in developing the mlcro- structure of hardened cement pase i potently confusing ‘On one had, its important to minimize the volume of mix- ing water to minimize the pore space between cement par es, This is done by designing conree mixtures with alow ‘we. On the other hand, itis pecessary o provide the cement ‘vith sufficient water to asain the filing of tone pores wits hydration products. While a high we may provide suficient ater o promte a high degree of hydration, the net result would be alow degree of porfilling du tothe high inital ase porosity. The more effective way to achieve igh de- ‘re of pore filing isto minimize intial paste porosity with ‘Tow we and then to foster hydration By preventing loss of the ineral mixing water, or externally applying caring ater o promote the maximum possible depee of ydraton.‘Qube To cuRIa coneRETE ‘The maximum degice of hyation achievable i fantion ofboth wie an the avalbiy of wate (Mls 1966). 1232 Te need forcuing—If the amount of water inital incomporsied into the conetete at mixing water il stain sufficient hydration to develop the desied properties for a Biven corte mixture, ering meatier ae required te ‘ure thats wate remains inthe coarete unt he desired Properties ate achieved. At lower intl water cones, wher adbanage is being taken of ower wand lower inital osity, it may be necessary lo we cing mescues that ‘rove cdooalwatrto sustain hydration othe degre of or filing required to achieve desired concrete properics we less tan approximately 0.50 and sealed agaist loss of ‘moisture cannot develop thee fl potential hyeation de 0 lack of water. Sach mixtres would therefore benefit rom cxtemaly applied euing wate (Powers 1948), Powers azo printed ont, however, that not all matures need to feach ‘hei ful lydeation potential to perform satisfy, and ‘exterally applied coring water fe not always required for ‘mixtures with we lees than 0.50, ‘A eles in concrete witha low w/e? is that of self desiccation, which i the itral dying ofthe concrete doe ‘0 consomtion of water by hyration (Neville 199, Paro 1986, Patel eta. 1988; Spears 1983). As the cement y- rates, insfiient mixing ater emias to susan farther hydaton. Low we mistres, salad againet water loss of water ene, can dry themselves fom the inde. This prob- lem is most commonly associated with mixtures with we sound 049 a less (Powers 1948; Mil. 1965; Cather 1983; ‘Meeks and Carino 1999) and is responsible for an almost negligible longterm strength gain in many low we mix: ‘ure: Given tht water sso interacts with cementiovs a terials suc aly ash sag, and sic fume, self-desceation an also ase with mires having low wate-cemeatiions ‘ail as (wom). ‘Self. desceaton can be remofied ner the concrete surface byexteraly providing ein water to sustain hyaion. At Sich low ralter of wl, however the permeability ofthe ase i nomallysolow tat exereally applied curing water ‘will ot eset fac beyond the surface layer (Cather 1904, “Meeks and Carino 1999). Conversely, the low permeability of low wle mixtures prevents esraton of miu lost dling atthe surfce by migration of moisture fom he ier. ‘The surace of low we concrete ean therefore dy gicky, ctlons—isthemally dependent —the rte of reaction ap- proximately doubles fr each 10 (18 F) sein concrete temperature. Curing procedures should algo ensure tht the ‘concrete temperature will uficently ssi hydration. As ‘early age concrete temperatures increase however, the rte ofhyeston can become soap a to prodice concrete with purpose recommendation can be insufficient if urabiy-e- aod srfce proper se required. '3.2Bulldings, bridges, and other structures "321 GeneralConeses in srctres and buildings in- oes cast in place walls, corms, lbs, Beams, and all ‘ther portion of builings except sabs-om grade, that are Covered in Seton 3. ls ineloes sal footings. pes, ‘taining wall, tunel inings, and conduits. No ncuded tre mats concrete (See Section 3.3). precast coneet, and ‘ther constuctions ar ican Section 3.4 32.2 Curing procedres—Under sual plcing cond tions, ering sould be accomplished by one or a combine tion of methods dcasted in Chapters I and 2 ‘Additional euing sould be provided afer the removal of forms when the surface sength or durability of under turfaces ie deemed important, when itis necessary tomit- {mize dusting Additional uring done by ete applying liguid membrane forming cring compound by proms applying sufficient water to keep the surace continously ‘mois Water caring of vertical surfaces canbe Gone by sing ‘wet burlap covered with polyethylene. Water cing of ‘otom of sabe and bea i ot recommended and israely effective, Frm removal should be dove when uring has been efficient ‘Aer the coneree has hardened and while the forms te sulin place on vertieal nd otber foamed surfaces, fr es ‘maybe loosened when damage tthe concrete wil 9t ooo td water applied tori down othe inside of he form ke=p the concrete et Cate shoul be taken to prevent thermal shock and cracks when using water that Is sigaificanty fooler than the concrete surface. Curing water should ot be more than about 17 © (20 F) cooler than the eoncree (Gestion 221), Immedatly following form removal, Be surfaces should be kept continsouly wet by = water spy ‘water atted fe or unt te membrane fring une Compound is applied. Curing memurer should inlade ‘weatment of top surfaces. "3.2.3 Darrin of euring—When the dit ean ambient temperature isabove SC (OF), curing shouldbe coniuoes forthe time periods shown in Table 2.1, ofr the time nee cary to attain a iim of 70% of specified compressive (er flexural strength if approprint), whichever pesod. 5 longer If concrete placed with daly mean ambient ten peratures a5 C (0) or lower, precautions shouldbe taken recommended in ACI 306K. Stength-based crea ‘hould be replaced or augmented with duabiliy-relatal site when appropiate (See Section 291 and Chapter. 33_Mass concrete "331 General Macs concrete i any volume of cat place concrete with dimensions lage enough to require measures be taken to cope withthe generation of heat and ttendant volume change apd wo maimize cracking. It's ‘most frequendy encountered in pier, abutment, dam, ‘heavy footings and similar massive consrctons:altough, the impact of temperature rise and ermal gradients shoul te considered inal onerete, wheter the coneree enforced cor not Such problems wr exacted where high suengh and igh ements materials coments ae required, Recommer- “dios forthe contol of temperature and thermal gradients in tas conc are found in ACI2O7 IR and ACI2072R. ‘332 Methods and duration of euring—Mass concrete ‘ofcn cured with water forthe sdtona cooling benef in ‘warm weather; however, scan be countrprductve when {he temperamre gradient between the warmer interior and the cooler srfice peers es inthe conte. Horizontal or sloping unformed surfaces of mass concrete an be mantaine Continuously wet by water spraying, wet sand, or wale‘WDE To CURING CONCRETE saturated fabric. Fr vena and ther formed suis afer ‘he cooeret as hudened andthe fons a sil in place, the {orm ie may be loosened and water sop to run down the inci ofthe form to Kep the concrete wet (Setion 3.22). Immediately flowing form removal, the surfaces can be ‘kept continiosly wet by a water sy ot water-saturated {ibrie, Caring water should tbe me thin approximately 11 @OF cooler than the concee because induced vrfce strains may cause cracking, Liguid membvane-frming curing compounds maybe the ‘best alternative some instances, During cold wether, for ‘example, afer the iia protection pried from freezing, pplication of guid membrane forming curing compound, Ini of spaying surfaces with water wil adoqoely rede drying and provide satisfactory curing conditions without icing problems. The use of euing compounds may be et ‘mite ifthe surface not constuction joint rf the ery brane is removed before pacing ajacentconerete A slf- dsipaing wembrane-forming curing compound can be ‘sed on conrete surfaces that sre oreeive an atonal layer of covert or cher bonded surface weatnent The sur- face should be cleaned before the now coneree is placed Use ofthe memane-frming curing compound, however, may ater the appearance of the concrete surface. ‘Curing should start as son as the conrets has hardened sufcenly to prevent surface damage. For vreinforeed ‘massive sections not containing ground granted bat fo ace slag or pozzoln, curing shouldbe comtined fr not Jess dun 2 weeks. Where ground granted Bast furnace flag or orzolan i include inthe cont, the minim time fr curing sould be notes than 3 weeks Fr enfrced mass concrete, curing shouldbe continuous for a ini (07 days unl TO% ofthe specified compresiv strength is obtained, if strength the key concrete perfomance cit ‘on Fr constuction jit, coting should be cominued {resumption of concrete placement or unt the requted ‘curing period ls completed ‘33.3 Form removal and caring formed surfaces Forms {or mass conte can be removed a son eval oper ation can be fey performed witht damage tthe con ‘ete ot impalment to the sericebiiy ofthe svcture During cold weather, the protection afferded by forms ean make it advantageous to leave the forms in place unl the td ofthe minima protection period or eve longer. When forms ae removed sad protection is dacomtnind the cow ‘rte should be cooled gravaly to ambien temperature at rates notexceeing 14 € 25) in 24h. The concrete can be cool gradually by replacing the forma with coverings that {tain atest when he fom areremoved. When te ep har iflreti etwcen the concrete afice a te ambient ‘Seis tan 14C Q5 F,foms can be removed ad poe Son acon without te ned for grad cookg 34—Curing colored concrete floors and slabs ‘Cone an be colored by ppying acy shake hardener or using imeral coloring pigment. The gol is normally to ‘bain a coed sufi wth minimal varaons is impr Lived curing proces romps, continu, and uniform. stent ‘Table 3.1—Curing for specialty concrete eee | emer ull conpcel oe esa sire oatncion The following methods have been used succesfully to provide saisfactory mostre retention, adequate strength evelopment for the wearing surface, aed 10 minimize sacking + Application of clear membraneforning citing and ‘sealing compound mecting ASTM C1315, Type I Class ‘A (Nowe that even nonyellowing compounds will ds olor overtime.) For colored indus ors subjected 1 moderate heaty wali, the curing compound shoul init moist Tos fo O40 kn (2008 I) a coverage ate of 7.4. 300 fal) + Application of matching pigmented membrane-form- ing curing compound, (Now that sigaiicat color dit ference can be expected when the caring compound wears of) Appliesion of a remomble curing compound. The removal proces should be thorughly discussed before plying these materls The timing ofthe removal rocest is fected by many factors. One such factor is the ate of top surface strength developments + Applicaton of an approved soastiing sheet mem- ‘ane. Tis membrane has plastic on he outer surface and fl (or similar absorptive, nonsaning material) on the inner surface, Thie membrane shouldbe placed iat fon the concrete surface to minimize meting duet dif {erent moistre loss, The ute of poyethyene alone is not recommended because the contact Between the polyethylene andthe surface ofthe concrete is variable, sulin aa med appearance and + Application of ponding or other equivalent moist cur- 1 OF water etenton methods. The surface should be Rept continsously moist for 7 days or longer without periodic drying. Ponding can affect the appearance of the colored concrete, Check the water source for miner als or compounds that can sai or modify the color of ‘he conte. Alin check any water retention coverings ‘hat can discolor te concrete. Placement of est sia recommended to visually assess ‘he appearance achieved by the combination of conetete cal xing and caring mets. The test slab should be larger than 10m? (100 ) and should be prepared sng the concrete mixture and finishing and curing techniques planned for the ‘projec. The environmental conditions shoud be the same or Emil to thse expected for the project. Several efferent ‘ing methods can be red onthe test lb).'3.5—Otver constructions Previons chapters and sections have assed crig for oral eastin place concrete Curing for specialty conerete thd speci constuction chniqusis referenced in Table 3.1, [CHAPTER 4—-MONITORING CURING AND CURING EFFECTIVENESS 4.4—General ‘Mont seificaton fo caring freshly placed concrete pe- serie a uring metho or acceptable aeoaives combined With a spcied duration over which the methods mst be ‘sed. Monitoring the effectiveness ofthe curing methods tho orevaluting the environmentin which the concrete has teen paced can be of vale bat iraely done. Several of the teehngucs curently avilable fr such monitoring ae Tite ‘S fllovs and are cussed in deal ler in this chapter Some of thet teciques wil ily be developed fuer 1 raat te ned for curing he effetivenes ofthe eng ‘mathods wed, and compliance wit applicable specifies: ‘ons. The following scion can be taken evaluat curing nd coring efecivenes: 2°" Monier the environmental conditions in which the con. {Get is placed to evaluate the ned for emperaire and rmoisure como: + Very tht the specified curing procedures have been sel; + Monitor the quantitative changes in the immediate ‘envgonment at asult of curing procedures; + Monitor the moire cootent and temperature in the conte and + Monitor the physical properties of the concrete, a Iafleaced by the application of curing procedures. Properties of the concrete near the surface ae the mot seniive to caring std are often the most useful ‘rilable indicators of curing effectiveness. {4.2--Evaluating the environmental coneitions in ‘which the concrete is placed "The wed or moisture contol eshly placed concrete depends onthe rte of moisture loss from that concrete Movs loss depends onthe water content the ease with thick watercan move though be fresh concrete, the at of| Blending te rte of buorption nto forms or subgrade, and therateof evaporation of water fom te exposed surfaces of the ek conte, Te eof evaporation fo he surface of ‘comes further depends on he temperate andthe Prope= tis of he mixture, consrction operations, surface exe, td ambien environmental conditions (Section 1422.1) Final. evaporation frm the wrfce depends om wheter the furfaces cty exposed to the io covered with bleed trae, ing water chemical weauments, or wih surface covers ‘Evaperation depends on environmental factors tht inchide the tempera ofthe conte, he temperate of te water ‘onthe sare ofthe conte, the temperate and RE ofthe it abow the suface ofthe concrete, and the wind speed ose tothe concrete surface Section 1422.1). These fa: {ors combine withthe characteristics of th concrete mixtu Actcoumiras nesont and surface texture promote or inde evaporation of wa ter from the concrete surf. "42:1 Estimating evaporation rate—Apprximatemetods for etinating the rt of evaporation of Water fom a wae ‘covered rrface have been proposed since the early 1800: ‘Busser 1982; Vinee: 1964; Uno 198). Each ofthese tnethods his incaeimen te estimation frat of evaporation fon the bse ofmeamurement fa empeatre and relative humidity, water temperate, and ind speed. The most ‘common of these approxima method wed by the concrete Indasty ithe reltonship doped from hydrological appl- Cations (Menzet 1954; Vehmeyer 1964; Uno 1998) This ‘was subsequently reforratted by the National Ready Mited Concrete Assocation (NMIRCA 1960) 10 prodce the nomopraph shown in Fig 41 “The nomopsaph ie mast commonly wed to estimate evap- ‘oration rate forthe purpose of evaluating the risk of plastic ‘Shrinkage racking (Lerch 1957; NRMCA 1960). This is tased on Lerche suppotion thatthe surface begins to {ty when the evaporation rate exceeds the bleeding rae Because edn rates vr for diferent mixtures fom 01 cover 1.0 kein? (0.2 Bvt), vary overtime fe casing, fd are not normally meas inthe eda valve is mos ‘ten asumed forthe bleedig ete hatthen becomes an im ply assumed vale frenieal rat of evapration. The most commonly quoted value is L0 kgm’ (02 It?) trated on werk onal ported in 1954 and 1955 (Menzel 1954; Lerch 1957, Recentexprenc with high-performance twidge deck overlays continngsliea fre ha exhbited ‘Sharply reduced Weeding nie hat led wo specified maximum ‘Slowabe evaporation rts f oly 02 kph (005 ISA) for overays(Veinia DOT 1997) Other specifications re Acting reduced Bleeding rate with moder corte vay Fear 0.50 to 0.75 Kp 0.10 wo O15 IMME) (Kass ae ‘Roglla 1996), When the coerte mixture has azo bled Ingrate, te crt evaportion te above which the surface wil dey is sero, Zero bleding Yates are characterise of ‘ease mints incorpocatg By ash, sca fue, ground [ramvlated bsscfurnce ag of other pozzolas, high ee treat comets, lw wim. in cements, orhigh i contents, Forte all corte mister exit diminishing bleding ‘ate during stong with an eventual ieedng rate of xv. 42.1.1 The Morel NRNCA nomograph—The nemognpt* (Gig 4.1 and ite underying equations characterize the evap ‘native envionmentand ant inended io esimare thea faa which watrisbringloat fom the concrete surice. The romograph provides i ext of evapora.” which is the maximum rate "at whch the atmosphere can vaporize rater from fee water srface” (alot and Petar 1998: ‘Uno 1998). The noma is therefore most useful as ‘means of appronimately ctaracerizng the environment no thi the concrete being paced. This canbe elf for Foreteting the nod fr cr nd protection meas and for ‘stimating the likely effete of changes in alt of concrete Tempers, humid or mind spend on evaporation. The m= Hatons inherent inte mete ar iced Section 42.1.2. 142.12 imitations and accuracy-—Recsise the nomogaph as derived fom anepernent of sta evapration tes‘QUib# To CURING CONCRETE sans <6; a oe, iy @ «0 ~~ 80 100 |} Air tomperature, °F Ou 2 a 8 Rate of evaporation, Ib /sq ft /hr ° & ‘Fig, 4—Nomograph or etimating the maxinam potential rat of evaporation othe emronment assuming a water covered ‘ufc in which the water temperature i equal tthe concrete temperature (Menzel 1954; NRMCi 1960).with measrements of wind sped temperate, and hunid- ity, environmental measurements inthe id shouldbe taken {inthe orginal experiment, slows: 2 tye airtemgeratre isto be ken 1.21018 m (61068) hove the evaporating surface, in he shade, + The temperatre of the water being evaporated atthe surface is equal tthe temperature of the concrete, and ‘ect slight isnt contributing to evaporation, +The elaive humidity shouldbe measured inthe shade, ‘on the windward side (opwind) of, and 1210 18.9 to 6ft) above he evaporating surface, +The wind speed shouldbe meaturel at a height of 0 1m Qin) above the surface ofthe concrete tis further {esumed thatthe wind velocity profle (variation of ‘vind speed with eight above the evaporating surface) is identical to that which prevailed in the experiments {ate develop of te eatin ‘These measurement conditions were defined in the original work by Menzel but were inadvertently deleted From the nomograph in 1960 spinal subsequent versions "Uno (1998), Hover (1992), Shucles and Hover (1983), and Al-Fobala nd Hover (2001) have discussed the acourcy ‘ofthe omograph andi sei tothe measuring prescole [n wind tunel eating under cones condos, Al Fabala ‘ed Hover (2001) demons that when measurements Wwe taken as eigimlly defied in Men's paper (1958, exits treed on the nemograph were wie 25% ofa vapors: thn ts opto LO gh (0.2 TAF). Athighe evapeaion ‘es the somoragh consist veresimatd the aca rte By upto 0% at 18 kgf (0.36 BM). "The moet commen eor in using the nomograph isto meagre wind Spd a ote tan 0.5m G20 in) above the ‘Crapoaing efcen guestin, Because te surface ai speed (fines the evaporative evironment andi high variable ‘nad o ground citer and the prevaling wind veloc pro- fle, measurements ken from nearby weather stations a els varying for 20 120 (6t0 36) wl almost always Jeadtooveresimsies of vaperaon ate. Fuhrman, because ‘wind sped cts widely over even thor period of ine, the average evaporation ate ove the tine ree 1 ext ‘once i fr example, related oan average wind spend ‘ve th period, Therefore pot neasureeat of Wind peed ‘an be mislesting in existing evaporation rt Because the ouput ofthe nomegrap isthe rate of water tos fom a water coveel surface under the same envio ‘mental conditions (uch as alae, reservoir, oa wat filled ‘rapratin pan) th computed result appronimaes he water fos from concrete only when the concrete surface is covered ith blood water Al Fadhaa and Hover showed that for the thor time ta concrete specimens were covered with bleed tre, he ate of evaporation fom the conerete was faily ‘ell appoint by he vale cand frm the nomogrph ‘The cial raf aero fom econo terface decreed te spprximatey 50% ofthe fee-vaterevaporation rae a3 afer batchine however, diminishing. 10% at approximately ‘Sh Thsis start theresa obanedby Berane (1984 sad is duet tbe redeton fas pos that ccompanishya- tion ofthecemen, which intmbinders the movement of wate ‘Acs COMMITEE REPORT costo theconrete No sandaizad techniques avaiable te: ‘imite the rate of evaporation om concrete sure not cv xe with war (Berane 1984, 1985; Mater 1964 Shas ‘nd Hover 198; ALFadhla and Hover 200) Given the inherent variability in Socrsing envion- mental condions and th empirical nature of the nomograth ‘ef thie method x primarily useful for characterizing Be ‘envionment in an approximate manne. The method corec- Iy identifies the factors controling evaporation and allows the user to predict how the various factors interact o ether Increase or decreas the Seveiy of the evaporative envio ‘ment Wen Fld measurements ar ake, the monograph ces an exit tht is ikely to be within 255 of the acl feraperatviy of the conmcion envzonmeat. Alemuve ‘reparation pec ar available nthe hyrlogc Braue ‘Several maid for estatng evaporation rare reviewed by {Uno (1998), Bran (1987) and Shack and Hover (988). ‘42.13 Alerative technologies for estimating exapore tion rate—Remote sensing devices have been developed fr ‘giculturalaplications to estimate the ate of evaporation from the surface of feld cops. Ia ited et one Such it- trument based on the horticultural work of 50 (1968) ard deo ot al. (1969) was wife for estimating the ate of evap- ‘oration from he surface of concrete. Moe accurate cama ofthe act rat of evaporation ‘the surface of the concrete canbe made by typical agricul ‘or aterologia matods of evaporation pans and record ‘evices A modifestion of hese methods Sas usd in which ‘containers of he concrete mintre were exposed 0 evaperaie ondions and percicaly weighed to estimate the rate of ‘evaporation fom the conrete surface (Shares and Hover 1968; Al Fadhal and Hover 2001; Krnss and Rogala 1956 orale ofthe method sed to eximate evaporate conditions, the key requirement isto ecopize that the rae ‘of evaporation en vary considerably over given localized fea, and thatthe most siniiant evaporation rate is tht ‘mestured at the conree surface atthe te of concrete pla {ng ishing an curing. Data caine from nearby weather ‘tations, sports, or fished by a local news sevice we ‘questionable when estimating the conditions ata particular Job st, orovers particular concrete surface on thats, aed an lead wo signiieant eosin calling the ate of evap ‘eration Falcon 1996). 4.3Means to verity the application of curing "When arcu ating process i specified, one can a set the appliation fearing in sccordance with Base pee iieaions For example, ifthe specifications equ a-d2y ‘water cue, on an morte the duration over which the com ‘ee srfaces were continuously exposed o water. Simi ‘covering with plastic or other material segue, oes Dy oberves wheter the was done or nt and wheter te once surface remained contnoously covered. ‘On he oer hand, wien a iqi-aplind cing membre ‘sued an apart ae of aplication is required (ether d- scl bythe specifications or by reference to manufrs inreucon) an average rte of aplication canbe determined ‘bymontrg te vlune of guid applied overameasued ae,