Curing Concrete

Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures – Chapter 15

Overview
 Curing basics
 Curing methods and materials
 Curing period and temperature
 Sealing compounds
Curing Concrete
Curing Concrete
Curing Methods and Materials
 Supplying additional moisture
 Replaces moisture lost to hydration and
evaporation
 Sealing in mix water
 Prevents evaporation losses
 Accelerating curing
 Supplying moisture and heat to accelerate
strength gain
Ponding and Immersion
 Ponding – dikes around perimeter retain water
on surface
 An ideal method to prevent moisture loss and
uniform temperature
 Intensive labor and supervision
 Immersion – submerging cast element in water
 Most thorough method of curing
 Commonly used in laboratory settings
Fogging and Sprinkling
Wet Coverings
Impervious Paper
Plastic Sheets
Membrane-Forming Coumpounds
Internal Curing
 Lightweight aggregates or superabsorbent
polymers
 Provide internal moisture source
 Counteracts self-desiccation
 Used in addition to external curing
 Not suitable for counteracting evaporation
losses
 Extra drying time needed for moisture-sensitive
applications
Steam
Curing
Steam
Curing
Forms Left in Place and Insulation
 Forms help prevent evaporation losses
 Exposed surfaces must be protected
 Wood forms should be kept moist
 Insulation maintains temperature during cold
weather
 Can be coupled with formwork
 Heated enclosures and hydronic heaters can
be used
Electrical, Oil, Microwave, and Infrared
 Electrical methods:
 Use concrete as conductor
 Use reinforcement as conductor
 Special wires
 Electric blankets or heated steel forms
 Hot oil, water, or steam circulated in pipes
 Infrared used on enclosed/covered concrete
 Methods used primarily in precast
Curing Period
and
Temperature
Sealers
Summary
 Curing basics
 Curing methods and materials
 Curing period and temperature
 Sealing compounds
Questions