Curing of Concrete

What Is Concrete Curing? Concrete curing is the process of maintaining adequate moisture in concrete within a proper temperature range in order to aid cement hydration at early ages. Hydration is the chemical reaction between cement and water that results in the formation of various chemicals contributing to setting and hardening. The hydration process is affected by the initial concrete temperature, the ambient air temperature, the dimensions of the concrete, and mix design. Therefore, for this process to progress well, in-situ concrete must have sufficient moisture and a temperature that favours this chemical reaction at a rapid and continuous rate. The American Concrete Institute (ACI) recommends a minimum curing period corresponding to attaining 70% of the compressive strength of concrete. It is often specified that this can be achieved after seven days of curing. However, 70% strength can be reached quicker when concrete cures at higher temperatures, or when certain admixtures are...