Concrete can be defined as a mixture of cement, sand, aggregate, and water in a specific ratio. To increase the efficiency of concrete; Water is applied to support hydration. This application of water is a form of healing. Concrete Curing in Wollongong is not just applying water to the concrete surface, Preventing moisture loss is also a type of cure.
Why is Concrete Curing in Wollongong needed?
- Curing is necessary to continue the hydration reaction that gives concrete its strength.
- Drying of concrete should be avoided until full strength is achieved.
- Also, it dissipates the heat of hydration and reduces the shrinkage of concrete.
- It prevents water loss through evaporation and helps maintain the hydration process.
Method of curing concrete
Depending on the condition, extent, and nature of the Concrete Curing in Wollongong various methods of treatment are used which are as follows:
Water Spraying
In this method, after the shuttering of formwork is removed, water is sprayed on the concrete several times a day with a hose or even a bucket. This method is suitable for small jobs as it requires a lot of supervision and spraying with fresh water as the concrete dries.
Curing concrete membranes
This method is most suitable in areas where there is severe water shortage, when making fresh concrete, mixing water is usually sufficient for a complete hydration reaction. It should not be allowed to escape by evaporation. In membrane Concrete Curing in Wollongong, a sealing membrane is applied to the concrete to trap water inside and allow it to escape through evaporation.
The membrane may be a sheet of polyethylene or it may be a membrane made by chemical application. The various sealing compounds used for membrane treatment are,
- Bituminous and asphaltic emulsions.
- Rubber latex emulsion.
- Paraffin or boiled linseed oil emulsion with stabilizer.
Steam cure
This type of Concrete Curing in Wollongong is done for factory-produced precast concrete products. Due to steam, the material is heated evenly and energy is obtained at a very fast rate. Even with short gaps in stacked precast products, steam can penetrate and cure surrounding pieces.
High-pressure steam curing
If vaporized at a pressure of 8 atmospheres, i.e., about 800 kN/m2, it is called high-pressure steam Concrete Curing in Wollongong. The main disadvantage of rapid steam curing is the loss of strength by the rapid increase in temperature.
Cure by infra-red radiation
It is claimed that energy loss due to rapid temperature rise does not occur in this method. It is particularly suitable for hollow blocks, where infrared heaters are placed in hollow parts of precast elements.
Method of Ponding
This Concrete Curing in the Wollongong method is particularly suitable for large slabs or road pavements. Small dams are prepared with mud on top of the slab as a result, water is stored in ponds of 50 mm depth for 28 days. The water used must be of good and potable quality.
Curing concrete means that instead of an evaporation process that hardens it, it’s a chemical reaction that hardens it.