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Curing of concrete

Short answer

Curing is maintaining moisture and temperature in fresh concrete to ensure proper hydration, preventing 30-50% strength loss. Methods include ponding, wet coverings, spraying, membrane compounds, and steam curing. For ordinary Portland cement, cure for at least 7 days; at least 10 days with mineral admixtures or hot/dry weather, and 14 days recommended for blended cement.

Write a short note on curing of concrete.

Curing is the process of keeping freshly placed concrete moist and at a suitable temperature for a period, so that cement hydration continues and the concrete gains strength and durability. Without curing the surface dries, hydration stops, and strength can be 30 to 50% lower with more shrinkage cracks and permeability.

Methods: ponding or immersion; covering with wet hessian, sand or straw and sprinkling; spraying water; membrane curing compounds and polythene sheets; steam curing for precast units.

Period (IS 456, Cl. 13.5.1): keep exposed surfaces continuously damp for at least 7 days for ordinary Portland cement and at least 10 days where mineral admixtures or blended cements are used. In dry and hot weather the period must not be less than 10 days; for blended cements it is recommended to extend it to 14 days. Formwork is removed only after the minimum striking period (IS 456, Cl. 11.3).

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