Chapter Five

Mixing, Handling, Placing

and Compacting Concrete

5.1 Type of Mixers, Uniformity of Mixing and Mixing Time.

5.2 Ready-Mixed Concrete
5.3 Transporting and Handling
5.4 Placing and Compacting
5.5 Using of Admixtures
5.6 Development of Strength and Curing Methods
5.6 Development of Strength and Curing

Curing is the name given to procedures used for

promoting the hydration of cement, and thus, the
development of strength of concrete.

The curing procedure being control of the temperature

and of the moisture movement from and into the
concrete.
Normal Curing

The object of curing at normal temperature is to keep concrete

saturated as nearly saturated as possible, until the originally water-
filled space in the fresh cement paste has been occupied to the
desired extent by the product of hydration of cement.

Curing is essential in concrete with low w/c ratio, to prevent self-

desiccation due to consumption of water.

The water existence aims to provide appropriate condition to

achieve as much hydration as possible, yet the amount of total
hydration is depended also on w/c ratio of the mix.

In case of site concrete, active curing nearly always ceases long

before the maximum possible hydration has taken place. Tensile or
compressive strength are affected in similar manner.
Methods of Normal Curing

There are many methods and materials that can be used for
moist curing of concrete.

These can be divided into two groups:

1. Water Curing
2. Sealed Curing
1. Water Curing

Those that supply additional moisture as well as prevent moisture

loss.

Supply of water is accomplished by:

Ponding : maintain a layer of water on horizontal surfaces.

Spraying
Sprinkling: Fine spray (keep concrete wet)
Saturated coverings: Two steps:
A. Wet concrete with water
B. Prevents or reduces evaporation of water using water
saturated burlap or other absorbent materials
2. Sealed Curing

Prevent evaporation of moisture using:

Waterproof paper: applied on soon as the surface has hardened, and

after concrete is sufficiently wetted.

Plastic sheeting: Used to cover more complex shapes; more flexible

than water proof paper.
→ High convenience and Lower labor needed

Curing membranes: Created by compounds such as resins, waxes or

synthetic rubbers which are dissolved in volatile solvent or emulsified
in water.

Application should happen after some water curing took place.

Used for vertical surface.
Not entirely prevent evaporation ( less effective than plastic sheets).
Different colors could be used to reduce heat absorption.
Curing at (Elevated) High Temperature

A. Low-Pressure Steam Curing

Curing in live steam at atmospheric pressure dramatically increases the rate of

strength development of concrete. Thus, helping speeding the rate of production. The
technique is used for:
Curing prestressed beams and wall panels
Curing precast concrete units.

Appropriate temperature should chosen to achieve satisfactory rate of strength gain

and ultimate strength.

Pre-steaming (Cured for some time at room temperature before exposed to steam
curing (2-6 hours) ) → Rise temperature up to 33C/h.

No pre-steaming → Temperature is raised at a rate of less than 11C/ h.

Cooling: cooling should be done at a rate of 22-33 C /h so as to reduce thermal

shock.
B. High - Pressure Steam Curing

Curing at temperature in excess of 100C and a steam

pressure of 6 to 20 atm.

Effect on concrete:
Products are ready for use within 24h.
Strength is generally equivalent to 28-day strength.
Cause less creep and Shrinkage.
Better sulfate resistance.