mobiledynamics
Well-known member
For poured Concrete Floors, is wet curing concrete employed as a process in residential applications or is only more toward really *structural* concrete in which wet curing concrete processes are used.
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Wet Curing Concrete
- Thread starter mobiledynamics
- Start date
pauls340
Well-known member
There are many different opinions as to where and when to wet cure concrete. In most commercial projects ACI has standards to follow. Many feel wet curing is a way to slow down the hydration in concrete which hopefully reduces dry shrinkage (plastic) cracking along with other problems caused by the free water in concrete. In my world, all new concrete should have Vapor Lock 20/20 as an admixture. Very inexpensive and it does not release any moisture from your slab. We have epoxy coated floors in 14 days with zero concerns.
Last edited:
ConCretin
Well-known member
Curing simply refers to methods of preventing the premature drying of concrete. Concrete gains strength through a process called hydration whereby the cement reacts chemically with mix water. If the mix water evaporates too quickly, hydration and strength gain slows or stops.
Wet curing isn't all that common even in commercial work because of the logistical difficulty in keeping the concrete wet and dealing with the excess water. It'a a common misconception that the curing water is somehow incorporated into hydration but it just acts as a seal to prevent evaporation. Simple non absorptive cover such as poly or curing compounds are more common.
If you really want to cure concrete effectively, use a product like Hydracure, which is a sheet that you roll out over wetted concrete. A felt bottom layer absorbs and retains the moisture while a plastic top slows evaporation.
The reality is that an awful lot of slabs were never cured at all and perform just fine.
Wet curing isn't all that common even in commercial work because of the logistical difficulty in keeping the concrete wet and dealing with the excess water. It'a a common misconception that the curing water is somehow incorporated into hydration but it just acts as a seal to prevent evaporation. Simple non absorptive cover such as poly or curing compounds are more common.
If you really want to cure concrete effectively, use a product like Hydracure, which is a sheet that you roll out over wetted concrete. A felt bottom layer absorbs and retains the moisture while a plastic top slows evaporation.
The reality is that an awful lot of slabs were never cured at all and perform just fine.
OP
mobiledynamics
Well-known member
Yeah, I came across Hyracure. It was my understanding that using Burlap, there is a possibility of staining. etc.
It was also my understanding, that just spraying with a hose, etc, you may cause more harm than good, with the possibility of soaking too much water on the surface, even though by employing it this way, it evaporates faster.
It was also my understanding, that just spraying with a hose, etc, you may cause more harm than good, with the possibility of soaking too much water on the surface, even though by employing it this way, it evaporates faster.
As LLWilly's stated, wet curing in residential work is extremely rare, at least in these parts. The logistics just aren't feasible most of the time. Not to say it isn't done on a rare basis, but the market is not one that would absorb the additional costs or inconvenience to do so. Most common would be applying a spray-on curing coumpound/curing sealent to the freshly laid concrete.
If you're looking to add wet-curing as a spec to a future construction project of your own, be ready to meet resistence from any contractors, or prepare to handle the wet-curing yourself........
If you're looking to add wet-curing as a spec to a future construction project of your own, be ready to meet resistence from any contractors, or prepare to handle the wet-curing yourself........
Yeah, I came across Hyracure. It was my understanding that using Burlap, there is a possibility of staining. etc.
There's really a chance of staining/discolorment with just about any curing that employs materials laying on the surface temporarily. Even clear plastic can leave unsightly stains....
It was also my understanding, that just spraying with a hose, etc, you may cause more harm than good, with the possibility of soaking too much water on the surface, even though by employing it this way, it evaporates faster.
It's not an issue that it's too much water, but one of "thermal shock" to the concrete. Spraying 55 degree water from a hose on 90+ degree concrete can create thermal shock...........
http://www.nrmca.org/aboutconcrete/cips/42p.pdf