Methods of curing concrete

Methods of curing concrete

Various methods of curing are adopted in the field as given below :

(a)         Replenishing the lost water

(i)          By immersion in water

(ii)         By ponding

(iii)       By sprinkling

(iv)        Using saturated coverings, e.g. jute bags etc.

(b)         Preventing loss of moisture

(i)          Using curing compounds

(ii)         Using impermeable membrane coverings

Out of above methods, immersion may be the ideal method of curing but it is not practicable always. It is restricted to laboratories or pre-cast units where small units like cubes or PSC sleepers etc. can be immersed in water. Ponding is suitable only for flat surfaces but not for vertical or overhead surfaces. Sprinkling is the most commonly used method in the field but it requires a large quantity of  water. Saturated covering is a better method which requires less quantity of water. Curing compounds are effective for concrete with high initial w/c ratio. Impermeable membrane is also having the same effect as of curing compounds. Out of these methods, the most widely used method in the field is saturated coverings using jute bags.