The Curing of Concrete. Curing has a strong influence on the properties of hardened concrete ; proper curing will increase, durability, strength, watertightness, abrasion resistance, volume stability, and resistance to freezing and thawing etc.

b)  Steam curing

c)   Self curing/ membrane curing

• miscellaneous:

      like, curing by infra red radiation, electrical curing etc.

What is self curing concrete?

• It has been pointed out earlier that curing does not means application of water ,it means also creation of condition for promotion of Uninterrupted  and Progressive hydration.

• It is also pointed out that the quantity of water, normally mixed for making concrete is sufficient to hydrate the cement content.

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•  Concrete in which the mixing water is restricted by means of some chemical compounds, to go out from the concrete body is known as “self curing concrete.”

Why  self curing concrete?

• Some times works are carried out in place where there is acute shortage of water and the application of water curing is not possible for reasons of economy.

•  prevention of moisture loss from the surface of flat concrete works such as highways and airports have been challenging task for construction managers.

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•  If  the evaporation of moisture from concrete are not prevented properly it may results in plastic shrinkage cracks, poorly formed hydrated products, finishing problems and other surface defects.

• Sometimes concrete is placed in some inaccessible , difficult or far places. Where curing cannot be properly done or supervised.

             

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How the self curing is being done?

• Membrane forming curing compounds are used to retard the loss of water from concrete during the early age.

•  They are used not only for curing fresh concrete but also further curing after removal of formwork.

•  Application of these compounds seals the concrete surface effectively by forming monomolecular film on the surface.

•  Membrane forming curing   compounds is a long chain of     hydrocarbon molecules.

•    Which forms monomolecular film on the surface of the concrete immediately after placing.

       

        H          H           H

        |           |           |

   H-C-H  H-C-H  H-C-H

        |          |           |

   H-C-H  H-C-H  H-C-H

        |          |           |

   H-C-H  H-C-H  H-C-H

        |          |           |

   H-C-H  H-C-H  H-C-H

       |            |          |

      O           O         O  

       |           |          |

       H          H          H  

   

• The hydrophobic effect represents the tendency of water to exclude non-polar molecules. The effect originates from the disruption of highly dynamic hydrogen bonds between molecules of liquid.

• A hydrophilic molecule or portion of a molecule is one that has a tendency to interact with or be dissolved by water.    

• A pure hydrocarbon molecule, is incapable of forming hydrogen bonds with water.  

• The hydrogen bonds are partially reconstructed by building a water "cage" around the compound molecule.

• The water molecules that form the "cage“ have substantially restricted mobilities.

   

   

   

   

Liquid membrane forming compound:

• Following types of compounds are included in it;

•  clear or translucent without dye

•  clear translucent with fugitive dye

•  White pigmented

•  The main performance specification for curing compounds:

        ASTM C-309 Liquid Membrane – Forming Compounds for Curing Concrete. The curing  compound shall not allow the concrete specimen to lose more than 0.55kg /m² of water in 72 hours

 White-pigmented concrete curing compounds

•  White-pigmented concrete curing compounds are wax-based dispersions with selected white pigments.

•  When properly applied, which optimizes water retention. The white pigment reflects the sun's rays and helps to keep the concrete surface cooler and prevent excessive heat buildup.

• It is ideal for application on exterior, horizontal surfaces, such as highways, airports pavements.

Advantages

• When properly applied, provides a premium-grade film, which optimizes water retention.

• Protects by reflecting the sun's rays to keep the concrete surface cooler and prevent excessive heat buildup, which can cause thermal cracking.

• Furnished as a ready-to-use, true water-based compound. Produces hard, dense concrete ... minimizes hair checking, thermal cracking, dusting and other defects.

• Offers a compressive strength significantly greater than improperly or uncured concrete.

• Improves resistance to the abrasion and corrosive actions of salts and chemicals ... minimizes shrinkage.

   

Application method

• Spray on in one even coat with a hand or power sprayer as soon as the surface water disappears from concrete surface.

 Precautions

• Keep from freezing. Do not apply when the temperature of the air and/or the concrete is less than 40º F (4º C).

• Do not mix or dilute with any other products or liquids.

• Do not use on surfaces that are later to be painted, tiled, hardened, sealed or treated in any manner. Not recommended for use on residential applications.

•  It is applied in two coats. If needed more coat may be applied.

Resin-Based, Water-Based Concrete Curing Compound:

Uses  

• Used on both interior and exterior applications where paint, resilient tile or resilient flooring may be applied later.

• Because of the wide variety of coatings, paints, adhesives, and toppings available, contact the manufacturer of the flooring system for application approval over resin-based curing compounds.

•  A small test application is always recommended.

Technical data

• Drying time: typically dries in 1-2 hours, depending on jobsite conditions (temperature, wind, etc.)

•  Restrict foot traffic for at least four hours; 12 hours is preferable.

   

     General  Tips For Application Of  Liquid- Membrane Curing Compounds:

• Always apply the curing compound uniformly at the specified application rate (typically  200 ft²/gallon, 4.9 m²/L).

• A major problem on most jobsites is the spraying of the curing  compounds at extremely high application rates, i.e., The material is applied at 300-400 ft²/gallon, rather that 200 ft²/gallon. As a result, the quality of the concrete goes down dramatically!

•  A good rule of thumb on flatwork is to apply the curing compound heavy enough to create a slight flood of material on the concrete surface or, as another option, apply the curing compound in two applications, one at right angles to the other.

Conclusion

• In short, discussed all above curing compounds are effective tool to avoid the occurrence of plastic shrinkage cracks in a windy, low humid and exposed to sun condition.

• Contractor can benefit by able to expedite the work schedule and placing more concrete while client benefits by obtaining concrete free of plastic shrinkage crack and having greater durability value.  

   

• REFERANCES:

• ACI 308 R

• Text book of concrete technology by M.S.shetty

•  article on evaporation reducer for pavement concrete, NBM & CW, april 2007

•  www.wikipedia.com

•  www.google.com 

• Web site of W. R. MEADOWS, 2002