Curing and Effects of Curing

There are a lot of arguments on which method of curing concrete gives good strength. These different opinions results into this study, which aim at investigating the effects of different curing methods on the strength of concrete. Laboratory test was employed for this study. Normal concretes were prepared using specified mix ratio of 1:2:4 and 1:3:6. The cubes tested for compressive strength at 7 and 28 days of curing respectively using different curing methods namely immersion, sprinkling, polythene sheeting, self-curing, steam curing etc. Testing indicate that water immersion curing method as well as sprinkling (spraying) methods of curing, provide better results than other methods of curing with respect to feasibility, ease availability, cost etc.. The scarcity of freshwater in densely populated urban centres has necessitated conservative utilization of depleting water resources. Membrane curing compounds and Self-curing agents methods up to some extent as they can be used in inaccessible areas, vertical structures, water scarce areas etc. As a part of durability study, this paper describes the effect of sea water on compressive strength of concrete when used as mixing and curing water. Concrete cubes of M30 grade were casted and plain water as well as sea water was used as mixing water in making the test specimens. Test specimens were cured under sea water as well as plain water up to 28 days with different curing methods. Proper curing of concrete is crucial to obtain design strength and maximum durability. The curing period depends on the required properties of concrete, the purpose for which it is to be used, and the surrounding atmosphere namely temperature and relative humidity.