Curing is the process of controlling moisture loss from concrete that has already been placed. Curing ensures hydration of the cement, which in turn enhances it, s strength and durability. Curing takes place immediately after placing of the concrete
Curing also ensure to maintain an adequate temperature of concrete in its early ages, as this directly affects the rate of hydration of cement and eventually the strength gain of concrete or mortar.
The length of curing time depends upon many factors such as the weather conditions, the size and shape of the concrete member, mixture proportions and strength of the mixture.
Duration Of Curing
The duration of Curing The duration of curing of concrete depends on the grade & type of cement, mix proportion, desired concrete strength, shape and size of the concrete member and environmental & exposure conditions. The duration may vary from few days to a month.
IS-456:2000 provisions for duration of Curing (Indian Standard-Plain & Reinforced concrete-Code of Practice, 4th revision, page 27)
Exposed surfaces of concrete shall be kept continuously damp or in a wet condition by ponding or by covering with sacks, canvas, hessian or other similar material and kept continuously wet for atleast 7 days from the date of placing, in case of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) and atleast 10 days when mineral admixtures or blended cements are used. In case of concrete where mineral admixtures or blended cements are used, it is recommended that the above minimum periods may be extended to 14 days, for assisting the secondary reaction.
Method Of Curing
Depending upon the site availabilities, type of structure and other material parameters, different methods of curing are adopted at site. Methods of curing concrete fall into the following categories.
- Water curing
- Membrane Curing
- Wet Curing
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