Should Concrete Be Covered When Curing?
Should Concrete Be Covered When Curing?
Yes, concrete is often exposed to the elements, which can cause it to crack. Covering the concrete with plastic can help to keep it cleaner and stop it from cracking. This also ensures that the curing process is gradual, which can prevent cracks from forming.
Curing concrete is a process that should be gradual in order to avoid cracks. If the concrete is covered with plastic while it is curing, then the water inside the mix will be trapped and the temperature will be regulated, ensuring a gradual curing process.
This will keep the concrete cleaner since any dirt and dust that may have accumulated on top will not be able to get through the plastic cover.
Another reason why covering concrete during its curing process is important is that it keeps the concrete from becoming too hard. If the concrete is left uncovered, it will start to dry out and may crack. By covering the concrete with plastic, the water inside the mix will be kept moist and will activate the cement binding agent, which will make the concrete harder.
What Is Autoclave Curing In Concrete?
Autoclave curing is a method of curing concrete under high pressure and temperature in a sealed tank. There has been less study on autoclave curing compared to other forms of accelerated curing processes. According to a review of the literature, autoclave curing is usually employed for aerated concrete.
The microstructure of autoclave-cured concrete suggests that the most stable tobermorite gel in aerated concrete boosts the binding qualities of the concrete. Furthermore, autoclave curing reduces drying shrinkage.
The report primarily focuses on the history of autoclaving, the implementation of autoclave curing in construction techniques and literature comparisons of curing methods, the change in shrinkage and carbonation, the strength properties of concrete due to autoclaving, the effect of alternative materials as addictive of autoclaved aerated concrete, and the effect of alternative materials as addictive of autoclaved aerated concrete and effect on micro-structures due to autoclaving.
How Should Newly Placed Concrete Be Protected While Curing?
The preservation of freshly put concrete is crucial, especially in the first 12-24 hours. This is due to the concrete’s first setting process.
Environmental variables such as winds, showers, mist, frost, and so on can easily disturb normal concrete curing and risk the durability of concrete if it is not protected.
Ordinary concrete should be well-protected and cured for at least seven days; quick-hardening concrete should be cured for three days. The curing process has a significant impact on the strength, durability, and aesthetics of concrete.
Successful concrete curing is mostly dependent on providing suitable shelter to allow concrete to grow sufficient strength.
Concrete protection guarantees that fast moisture loss from concrete is avoided in hot weather situations and that the appropriate temperature is maintained to enable the continuity of cement hydration in cold weather circumstances.
Here’s how to keep freshly laid concrete safe while it cures:
Wind Protection For Concrete.
On a windy day, concrete loses moisture fast. As a result, temporary windbreaks must be installed around the area where concrete will be put. After the concrete has been set, it should be wetted to ensure that it has cured and reached the specified strength.
Protect Concrete From Rain.
Too much precipitation falling on freshly put concrete before it has hardened might reduce its strength. As a result, it is vital to cover and safeguard newly placed concrete during rains.
Although it may be feasible to postpone the concreting process to avoid showers, unforeseen rains can occur, and contractors must be prepared for such scenarios. Plastic sheets and tarps should be kept on-site to cover and protect the concrete from rainwater.
The cover should not be put directly on the concrete surface. To create a gap between the concrete and sheet surfaces, install timber logs or bricks around the perimeter of the cover.
Protect The Concrete From The Elements.
A temperature of less than 4.5°C indicates chilly weather. Concrete must be protected in cold weather to avoid freezing at an early age, to preserve the continuity of the curing process, to acquire enough strength, and to prevent thermal shock and subsequent cracking at the end of the protection period.
Freshly laid concrete can sustain both temporary and permanent damage if it freezes. After then, the curing procedure will not help the concrete regain its ideal qualities.
As a result, the ideal approach would be to cover the concrete to keep it from freezing and to maintain the needed temperature for optimal curing.
