Purposes of Curing of Concrete
Following are the objects or purposes of the curing of concrete:
- Curing protects the concrete surfaces from sun and wind.
- The presence of water is essential to cause the chemical action which accompanies the setting of concrete. Normally, there is an adequate quantity of water at the time of mixing to cause the hardening of concrete. But it is necessary to retain water until the concrete has fully hardened.
- The strength of concrete gradually increases with age, if curing is efficient. This increase in strength is sudden and rapid in early stages and it continues slowly for an indefinite period.
- By proper curing, the durability and impermeability of concrete are increased and shrinkage is reduced.
- The resistance of concrete to abrasion is considerably increased by proper curing.
