User:Smsarmad/Concrete curing

Concrete Curing is a method of maintaining concrete moisturized for a certain period of time. It is started when the concrete hardens after it is laid to set. Curing increases the durability, strength, water-tightness, abrasion resistance, volume stability, resistance to freezing, thawing^[1] and shrinking of the concrete^[2] by slowing down the moisture loss and carbonation of the concrete.^[3]

Research

A technical committee of International Union of Laboratories and Experts in Construction Materials, Systems, and Structures (RILEM) has been studying the methods of curing that can reduce the shrinking of concrete.^[2]

Hydration

When cement is mixed with water, a chemical and physical reaction called hydration takes place.^[4] which bonds together the mixture particles. The concrete thus formed contains pores, which are reduced by the hydration process that spans over a vast time and also increases concrete's strength.

Curing methods

Curing is done in a number of ways, depending on the material available and the strength of the concrete required to be achieved.^[1]

Water curing

Water curing is done by either spraying water on the concrete or making water to stand over the concrete like a pond, if allowable.

Coverings

Coverings are laid on the concrete surface to entrap the moisture inside. Wet coverings like burlap, moist hay, straw, sand, earth, which are laid on concrete retain the moisture after being watered regularly. Artificial coverings like waterproof paper, polyethylene film and other plastic sheet material are also used for concrete curing.^[3]

Curing agents

Different agents/compounds used for curing, are premixed in the concrete mixture. These compounds by their classification either slowly release water while acting as a water storage (also known as water entrainment) or retains the water already held by the mixture. Concretes with a low water to cement ratio that are made for high performance and have high strength mostly don't have enough water required for the hydration, thus requiring the former type of curing agents that acts as water reservoirs.^[2]

References

^ ^a ^b Steven H. Kosmatka (2008). "Curing Concrete". Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures (14th ed.). Portland Cement Association. pp. 219–227. ISBN 978-0893122171. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
^ ^a ^b ^c Kovler, Konstantin (1 September 2005). "Novel Techniques for Concrete Curing". Concrete International. American Concrete Institute – via HighBeam (subscription required) . Retrieved 17 August 2013. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |coauthor= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
^ ^a ^b American Concrete Institute (28 February 2008). "Curing, Protection and Joint Filling". Guide for Concrete Floor and Slab Construction. American Concrete Institute. pp. 59–61. ISBN 978-0870311512. Retrieved 23 August 2012.
^ Rick Arnold (15 May 2003). Working with Concrete (1st ed.). Taunton Press. pp. 29–32. ISBN 978-1561586141. Retrieved 24 August 2012.

[Kosmatka-1] Steven H. Kosmatka (2008). "Curing Concrete". Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures (14th ed.). Portland Cement Association. pp. 219–227. ISBN 978-0893122171. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)

[Kovler-2] Kovler, Konstantin (1 September 2005). "Novel Techniques for Concrete Curing". Concrete International. American Concrete Institute – via HighBeam (subscription required) . Retrieved 17 August 2013. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |coauthor= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)

[ACI_Guide-3] American Concrete Institute (28 February 2008). "Curing, Protection and Joint Filling". Guide for Concrete Floor and Slab Construction. American Concrete Institute. pp. 59–61. ISBN 978-0870311512. Retrieved 23 August 2012.

[Rick_Arnold-4] Rick Arnold (15 May 2003). Working with Concrete (1st ed.). Taunton Press. pp. 29–32. ISBN 978-1561586141. Retrieved 24 August 2012.

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