Fundamentals of Concrete Curing Methods in Construction Industry: A case study form theory to practice

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Fundamentals of Concrete Curing Methods in Construction Industry: A
case study form theory to practice
1M.Tech. (Civil) Construction Engineering and Management, Civil Engineering Department, BVM Engineering
College, Vallabh Vidyanagar-388120, Gujarat, India
2Associate Professor, Information Technology Department, BVM Engineering College,
Vallabh Vidyanagar-388120, Gujarat, India
3Associate Professor, PG Coordinator Construction Engineering and Management, Civil Engineering Department,
BVM Engineering College, Vallabh Vidyanagar-388120, Gujarat, India
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Abstract - In the pastfewdecades, advancementinconcrete
technology had occur in exponential curve. This leads to the
use of concretes with lower water-cementitious material
ratios which results into early age cracking in young concrete
if special precautions are taken. In theory, concrete curing is
considered as an important process in a concreteconstruction
works, but many times in real on-site construction projects
concrete curing process is oftenconsideredaslowprioritytask
or process. One of the prominent reason for this could be that
the cost benefits of the good curing practices are not seen
immediately, rather the consequences of poor curing will only
appear in the later life of the concrete structure. The aim of
this paper is to summarize the various advancements in
concrete curing methods in past few decades and to review
published work which evaluate the curing process in real-
world concrete structures.
Key Words: Concrete, Curing methods, Digitization,
Humidity monitoring, InternetofThings, Moisturedetection,
Real time monitoring, Sensors, Temperature monitoring
1.INTRODUCTION
In modern era demands of concrete are increasing,
while budgets are shrinking and raw materials are changing
everyday. It can only be achieved through ensuring that the
best strength is gained from the cementitious materials.Still
it has been observed that at several sites curing of concrete
is left to the decision and comfort of the unskilled labour.
There is a great need to educate all stakeholders involved in
a project, from the owners’ board of directors to the lowest
level worker, that curing process can actually be a good
return value for money. It seems illogical if the cement is not
allowed to hydrate for the bit of water, resulting into
compromise in quality and longevity of any small or large
concrete infrastructure.
The fundamental behindthe needofconcretecuring
is very simple. Concrete undergoes a chemical process
known as "cement hydration" to gain its design strength in
which it requires the presence of water in the favourable
range of temperatures over a defined period of time. Curing
is the process of preventing the loss of moisture from the
concrete whilst maintaining a satisfactory temperature
regime[5]. In simple words, concretecuringisthetask which
encourages concrete hydration until the desired properties
is obtained in the concrete. Moisture curing only influences
the outer 30 to 50 mm of a concrete element's surface, and
that is a critical element[11]. This explains that moisture
control isn't primarily usedtoimprovea structure'sstrength
development, but it has a huge influence on the surface
permeability and hardness, therefore it restricts a
structure's design properties, particularly in extreme
conditions. This is associated with an increasing adoptionof
concretes with water–cementratiosbelow0.4, whichmaybe
more vulnerable to self-desiccation.Althoughexternal water
is necessary in order to obtain the maximum benefit of such
a concrete at the surface, this would not serve more than 30
mm below the surface. Internal curing techniques might be
examined in this scenario.
Another positive trend is that the use of
supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), which
hydrate more slowly and over anextendedperiodsoftime.A
well-hydrated SCM combination will therefore provide
substantially greater potential long-term durability, but an
SCM combination that has already been exposed to air
hastily will likely be much worse than an identically treated
plain cement concrete. Another important factor is that
curing requires work to regulate the temperature of the
concrete. Structures or slabs which were too cold duringthe
initial several hours following deployment will only hydrate
slowly, if that were even. This may create a need of leaving
forms in place for extended periods of time or adopting
preventive devices to minimise plastic shrinkagecrackingin
a concrete. When the concrete structure is allowed to get
excessively hot in the first few hours of hydration process, it
is more liable to cracks depending on the temperature
differences between the internal core temperature and
surface temperature. Concrete which hydrates underhigher
temperatures seems to be more vulnerable to harmful
chemical reactions and external chemical reagent attack.
While it is recognised thatcuringisanimportantco-
factor, it does come at a cost and may cause delays in the
K. B. Khetani1, Dr. Nilesh B. Prajapati2, Dr. J. R. Pitroda3

construction timeline. It is also believed that a lack of curing
has no measurable impact on the concrete's quality or the
pay variables associated with any of it. When expenses and
schedules are restricted, it's easy to underestimate the
significance of curing. Concrete mixtures might be less
flexible than in the past due to the greater demands placed
on them. As a result, any activity that improves hydration
and thus performance while lowering the chanceofcracking
is more significant than it has ever been. Finally, it's
important to check whether the concrete curing process
went smoothly or not. Direct methods, such as calculating
the volume of curing compound per unit area, are easy to
track, but they completely disregard regional differences,
wind liabilities, or even if the job was finished within time
limits. If methods other than curing substances are being
adopted, the concern of how long they must be used arises.
Although performance-based solutions to answering these
issues have some appeal, they are often costly and
inefficient. Payments are also considered a matter of
assessment. Many agreements do have a part of the
specifications that makes curing a pay element, but without
precise assessment, it's hard to determine when payment is
due, and the cash value associated to it is eventually impact
worse than the potential damage to the building if it's
ignored or performed inadequately. Curing is a great idea in
theory, but in actuality, we must balance the system's
implementation and achievement with both the effort and
cost required to get there.
2. SCENARIO OF CONCRETE CURING IN REAL
WORLD
2.1 Hot Climate
Alsayed et al. (1994) presented research on the impact
of desert-style curing upon normal concrete. One set was
sprayed twice per day every day, another was burlap-
wrapped and sprayed twice per day, a third was enclosed by
plastic, and the last was left to the environment. The samples
were subsequently exposed to an arid climate for a year. The
results along with some of the observations provided in this
paper reveal that the extent of the influence of curing on
sample strength is influenced significantly by sample size,
with higher effectsshown in smaller samples. Thedryersets'
high early strengths may not be surprising, as a sample
examined dry would often have greater strengths versus
equivalent, wetted samples.The results show that theplastic
sheets provided little moisture protection. The fact that
perhaps the specimen covered in plastichadpoorabsorption
results supports this argument. It brings up the question
about whether the plastic was effectivelyenclosedallaround
specimens to minimize water evaporation, given self-
desiccation is unlikely at a w/c 0.45, and other research has
demonstrated the advantages of efficient plastic wrap.
Another possibility is that the time span across which it was
used was insufficient. The weather during the test period is
not described in detail in the research, but the huge
expansions that began around four months are greater than
the actual shrinking. This unusual pattern can only really be
explained by the variation in temperature and relative
humidity status, which are most likely due to seasonal
changes. The results will be useful in that those who show
how important it is to consider all of the aspects that can
effect a mixture's performance, and then how such
performance has been measured.[2]
Hoppe et al. (1994) examines the accuracy of durability
index tries in South Africa when it is used to determine the
efficiency of onsite curing. All of the trial results suggest that
open concrete seems to be more permeable versus concrete
that has been kept moistened all of the time. The curing
component was only slightly beneficial in summer-placed
concrete, and, unexpectedly, performed worse in moderate-
weather placements than exposed surfaces. A delayed
spraying of the compound is thought to have caused solid
concrete to harden sufficiently before even being treated.
Later rainfall in the mild weather helped to hydrate the
treated surfaces while keeping them dry. Improper
application of curing chemicals, such as prolonging
implementation, tends to have resulted in minimal benefit,
soon as the weather is mild. A lack of proper curing resulted
in a significant reduction in the system's maximum
durability.[7]
With attempt to optimize specifications, Al-Gahtani
(2010) aimed to assess the influenceofcuringprocedureson
concrete qualities. The goal of curing is to keep the concrete
moist enough to allow hydration of the cement and
supplementary cementitious material (SCM). In hot, dry
areas, this seems to be challenging to do. Curing hasagreater
impact on permeability than it does on strength.Forallofthe
cementitious systems evaluated, providing protection with
curing substances appeared to be more effective than using
burlap through aspects of shrinkage, strengthgain,andpulse
velocity. Similarly, drying shrinkage was greatest in burlap
specimens and minimum in acrylic curing compound
samples, while the differences were minor. The acrylic cured
samples had the highest concrete strength and ultrasonic
pulse velocity, while the burlap samples had the lowest.[1]
2.2 Cold Climate
The influence of SCMs, dose, and cure on scaling
performancewasexploredbyBoydandHooton(2007).The
study's main goal was to linktest methods and proceduresto
field performance, however it did show that using a curing
chemical improves scaling resistance. Scaling resistancewas
found to be reduced when SCM content was increased in
laboratory studies. There was no evidence of a link between
finishing time and scaling resistance. Apparently varying
curing of the laboratory-tested samples showed a consistent
trend. These samples treated using curing solution had
superior scaling resistancethanthosecoatedwithburlapand
plastic. Only the fifty percent slag mixture, which was

subjected throughout the field for ten years and 600 freeze–
thaw cycles, displayed any apparent and modest scaling,
which waslimited to the parts never curedwithcuringagent.
Fly ashlooked to boost surface strength, butslagappearedto
decrease it. Finishing variationshadaminorimpact,whereas
curing had a greater impact. The samples cured using curing
compound once again produced the greatest results. It was
highlighted that laying a slab well ahead of its first freezing
incident might be supposedtoperformwellthanlayingaslab
subsequent to the winter season.[9]
Bouzoubaa et al. (2011) investigated the impact of
curing regimes on salt scaling of pavement combinations in
the field and in the lab. The fly ash and compound
combinations performed poorly, and they were more
susceptible to maturity andcuringcompared toconventional
concrete. Despite the fact that the research suggests that
using SCMs improves prospective durability, this is not the
case. These observations are most likely the product of a
complex of the following variables. Scaling resistanceismost
likely regulated by the degree of hydration in the system,
with considerable benefits achieved from tiny hydration
increments, particularly in some more developed systems.
Such changes seem unlikely to impact influence on
performance. SCM-containing solutions are known to take
longer to hydrate. This indicates that two days of burlap are
unlikely to be enough to produce the moisture levels in the
upper layers required for scaling resistance. In terms of the
level of saturation just at exterior as well as the possibility of
cracking after rapid drying whenever the burlap is peeled,
curing compounds are anticipated to offer equal curing
substantially higher than two days beneath burlap.[3]
2.3 High-Performance Concrete
Huo and Wong (2006) examined the dynamics of high-
performance concrete (HPC) samples exposed to various
curing processes at an early age. Shrinkage, temperature
change, and evaporation rate were all measured. Both
relative drying & shrinkage effects of such typical curing
techniques were demonstrated in this study. The need of
early protectionforroughlysevendayswasemphasizedonce
again.[8]
Poursaee and Hansson (2010) wanted to see if
increasing curing time from 3 to 7 days was useful or
necessary. For 100 weeks, samples were monitored for
internal strain,moisturecontent,andtemperature.Thestrain
rose over time in all prisms, with the control combination
having lower strains and the slag and fly ash combinations
having little difference. There was no evident pattern in the
influence of wet curing period on internalstrain,accordingto
the data. The results of this study are unexpected, and the
reasons forthe lack of a pattern over curing period cannotbe
justified based on the evidence supplied.[14]
Zhimin and Junzhe (2011) explored the role of steam
curing with binder species onconcretestrengthpropertiesat
various depths. Many of the outcomes are in line with
previous research, while others are surprising. The ternary
mixture's poor performance in relation to the OPC system
does not match the given data. It's likely that perhaps the
chemical of the concrete mixture ingredients made them
unsuitable for combining in the proportions chosen. This
adverse consequence of steam on the outermostlayer,onthe
other hand, is consistent with previous experience. Steam
cure had a deleterious effect at all depths studied, according
to unpublished research by the author. This has been
explained as a result of faster hydration, which resulted in a
coarser, more porous micro-structure.[6]
2.4 Performance Parameters
Petrou et al. (2001) looked at bridge deck cracking.
Improper curing was indeed a main cause to cracking in 4 of
the decks studied, according to the study. In addition,
structural deflections must be balanced by mixture stiffness,
along with structural strength, permeability, & cracking risk.
The discussion of the impact of slump upon cracking risk
must be handled withcaution.Thepaste–waterproportionof
a solution has a direct influence on shrinkage.Thereexisteda
connection among slump and cracking when slump was
predominantly regulated by water content in a combination,
however this link is no longer valid in today's technology,
when slump is regulated by mix proportions.[12]
In South Dakota, JohnstonandSurdahl(2007)explored
the relationship between a number of parameters that affect
cracking within continuously reinforced concrete (CRC)
pavement. The findings back with the theory thata varietyof
conditions can increase the chance of cracking. Although
some parameters, such as temperature, have a great impact,
they are difficult to manage; hence, modifying the somewhat
smaller variables that can be modified, including such
accelerated curing, could still have a significant impact.[10]
To track curing, Radlinski et al. (2008) employed
maturity measures. Maturity is a method for predicting a
concrete'scompressive strengthdependingontheproductof
temperature and duration undergone by a mixture. One of
the goals of the study was to see if the methodology could be
used to monitor mixes with added cementitious ingredients.
The heat profile's lack of sensitivity towards curing is
remarkable. The authors attribute this to the availability of
water in the system, yet more extra water for hydration
might result in a higher hydration heat. The specimen that is
permitted to be evaluated dry, from the other side, is
predicted to have better instead of lesser strengths. It's
possible that the effect exists but is less than the data
collecting precision. The consequences of intermittent
wetness should be carefully considered. The study relied on
compression strength measurements on 150 mm cylinders.
Examination of porosity at the faces of such various samples

would almost certainly have resulted in a different outcome.
The results indicatethe impact of curingtechniquemostlyon
long-period hydration of a cementitious material once
again.[15]
Bouzouba et al. (2010) analysed the effect of mixture
parameters on carbonation processes in bothlaboratoryand
field testing. Curing for longer than three days appears to
provide little benefit in terms of carbonation. It's also worth
noting that carbonation in higher-grade concrete mixtures
was less affected by fly ash levels.[4]
Peyton et al. (2012) likewise looked into bridge deck
cracking. In 2005, five under-construction bridgedeckswere
evaluated to see which of these conditions contributed to
cracking: Structural design,material qualities,proportioning
of mixtures, construction methods, and curing methods
Despite the fact thatall of thebridgesweretreatedusingboth
curing chemical & moist burlap and plastic, considerable
cracking was noted, particularly in those wherecuringbegan
late. This underlines the importance of properly timing
curing to get the best benefit.[13]
The goal of Tamayo's (2012) research was to see if
lithium silicate additives raises the risk on plastic shrinkage
cracking across 4 Arkansas bridge decks. A portion of every
floor had been sprayed using lithium silicate like a
completing aid, while the rest was treated with standard
curing chemical. Although the lithium silicate was employed
to reduce cracking rather than as a curing agent, this claims
to also be productive and cost-efficient.[16]
3. CONCLUSION
Concrete curing is vital for constructions which have been
subjected to harsh conditions, particularly in terms of
ultimate durability. In dry regions, self-desiccating
combinations must be avoided because supplementary
water techniques may indeed be hard to implement. The
probable durability of a concrete structurecanbedrastically
decreased if curing treatmentsareappliedlate. Somestudies
found that curing compounds performed much better,while
many others claimed burlap and plastic to be preferable. If
curing substances are placed before bleeding has stopped,
effectiveness is likely to suffer. Curing chemicals tend can
provide protection comparable to moist curing for 3 to 7
days. Curing is necessary for the most quality parameters
over 3 to 7 days, with extended duration required for
concrete containing Supplementary cementitious materials.
Although steam curing can increase its strength, it can also
reduce durability. The possibility of cracks can indeed be
reduced with proper curing. Lithium silicate compounds
tend to be beneficial in preventing bridge deck damage.
Optimizing and regulating the pace of the curing appears to
improve curing effectiveness.
REFERENCES
[1] Al-Gahtani, A. S. (2010), “Effect of curingmethodsonthe
properties of plain and blended cement concretes”.
Construction and Building Materials, 24(3),_308–314,
doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2009.08.036
[2] Alsayed, S. H., & Amjad, M. A. (1994), “Effect of curing
conditions on strength, porosity, absorptivity, and
shrinkage of concrete in hot and dry climate”, Cement
and Concrete Research, 24(7), 1390–1398.
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[3] Bouzoubaâ, N., Bilodeau, A., Fournier, B., Hooton, R. D.,
Gagné, R., & Jolin, M. (2011), “Deicing salt scaling
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[5] Bureau of Indian Standards. (2000).IS456(2000):Plain
and Reinforced Concrete - Code of Practice.
[6] He, Z. M., & Liu, J. Z. (2011), “Effect of Steam Curing on
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[8] Huo, X. S., & Wong, L. U. (2006), “Experimental study of
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[9] J, B. A., & Douglas, H. R. (2007), “Long-Term Scaling
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doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0899-1561(2007)19:10(820)
[10] Johnston, D. P., & Surdahl, R. W. (2007), “Influence of
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Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement Cracking”,
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doi.org/10.3141/2020-11
[11] Li, L., Shi, L., Wang, Q., Liu, Y., Dong, J., Zhang, H., &
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damaged concrete with post-fire-curing”, Construction
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[13] Peyton, S. W., Sanders, C. L., John, E. E., & Micah Hale, W.
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[14] Poursaee, A., & Hansson, C. M. (2010), “Curing time and
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[15] Radlinski, M., Olek, J., & Nantung, T. (2008),“Influenceof
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[16] Tamayo S. (2012), “Evaluation of High Performance
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