Curing Concrete, Chapter 12 - Memphis

Curing is the maintenance of a satisfactory moisture con-tent and temperature in concrete for a period of time imme-diately following placing and finishing so that the desiredproperties may develop (Fig. 12-1). The need for adequatecuring of concrete cannot be overemphasized. Curing has astrong influence on the properties of hardened concrete ;proper Curing will increase durability, strength, watertight-ness, abrasion resistance, volume stability, and resistance tofreezing and thawing and deicers. Exposed slab surfacesare especially sensitive to Curing as strength developmentand freeze-thaw resistance of the top surface of a slab canbe reduced significantly when Curing is portland cement is mixed with water, a chemicalreaction called hydration takes place. The extent to whichthis reaction is completed influences the strength and dura-bility of the concrete . Freshly mixed concrete normally con-tains more water than is required for hydration of the ce-ment; however, excessive loss of water by evaporation candelay or prevent adequate hydration.

stresses develop before the concrete has attained adequate tensile strength, surface cracking can result. All exposed surfaces, including exposed edges and joints, must be pro-tected against moisture evaporation. Hydration proceeds at a much slower rate when the concrete temperature is low. Temperatures below 10°C

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  Surfaces, Concrete, Cracking

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