Curing of Concrete Members Column & Slab | Curing time & Duration | Curing methods
Concrete is a composite material consisting of cement, sand, and water in suitable proportions . The chemical interaction between cement and water binds the aggregate. Fresh concrete will be plastic so that it can be molded to any desired shape and compacted to form a dense mass. Concrete should be placed in a position before it starts losing its plasticity. The time at which concrete completely lost its plasticity and became hard is called the final setting time of concrete. Curing of concrete: Curing plays a vital role in concrete strength development and durability. After adding water to the concrete mix (Cement, Sand & Aggregate), the exothermic reaction (hydration) takes place, which helps the concrete to harden. Hardening of concrete is not instant and continues for a longer period, which requires more amount of water for processing hydration. So, the concrete kept moist until the hydration reaction in concrete completes. This process called the curing of concrete. or Curi