The specific role of concrete curing

After the concrete is poured before the floor construction, we need to choose the appropriate maintenance method according to the actual situation. The curing time also varies with different cements. However, how does the curing agent work?

What is concrete curing?

The process of ensuring the smooth progress of cement hydration in fresh concrete is called curing. Concrete curing generally refers to maintaining a certain degree of humidity. In the case of sufficient moisture curing, the cement can reach the maximum degree of hydration, but in the case of rapid drying, only a limited degree of hydration can be achieved. If the cured concrete is not good enough, the quality will not be achieved.

The role of conservation

Generally, the mixing water consumption of concrete must be greater than the water requirement of cement hydration. However, after the initial setting of concrete, water loss due to evaporation or other reasons will affect the full hydration of the cement. Especially on the surface layer of concrete, when the concrete dries to a relative humidity below 80%, the hydration of the cement tends to stop, which damages the various properties of the concrete. The surface concrete is very important to the durability, abrasion resistance and appearance of the concrete structure, so the maintenance of the surface concrete is very important.

The loss of surface moisture not only affects the surface layer of the concrete, but also because the moisture inside the concrete exists in the capillaries, the moisture will rise or fall along the capillaries. When the surface moisture is insufficient, the moisture in the capillaries will continue to rise to the concrete. On the surface, the moisture will evaporate further and will gradually affect the insufficient moisture inside the concrete. Therefore, during the curing of concrete, it is necessary to ensure that the surface of the concrete has sufficient humidity, and at the same time, the evaporation of water must be prevented.

Generally, the concrete must be kept wet after pouring. The curing time varies from cement to cement, and generally takes 7-14 days. If conditions permit, you can take cover wet cover, you can also sprinkle cover. For structures that do not have conditions to cover wet curing and water spray curing, concrete curing agent can be sprayed on the concrete surface for curing. For example, some complex parts of structures, water-deficient areas and so on. The curing agent curing method can effectively prevent the concrete moisture from evaporating, keep the internal moisture of the concrete, and enable the hydration to proceed fully.