![]() These admixtures absorb the concrete moisture content quickly, reducing the drying time the volume of water in the mix would typically need. So finding the right balance between water content and drying conditions is important.Ĭhemical admixtures that promote self-desiccation, like silica fume, also help to speed up the drying process. But too low of a water-cement ratio will also slow drying times since there are fewer capillaries in these types of mixes. The amount of water added during the initial mix can help reduce drying times. Pre-Pour Steps to Speed Up the Drying Process The effects of moisture and temperature on curing concrete make warm, dry weather the best time to pour concrete, especially if there is no rain in the forecast. Concrete needs to stay warm to cure properly, so cold damp weather or interior conditions will slow down the curing and drying process. If the air temperature is too cold, the concrete curing process will slow down or stop altogether. And instead, too much moisture in the air will slow down the drying process of concrete. But if there is too much moisture in the air-also known as high humidity-the moisture from the concrete won’t evaporate quickly. READ MORE: HOW CONCRETE CURING, TEMPERATURE AND STRENGTHS ARE RELATED What Causes Slow Drying?Ĭoncrete releases moisture from the slab’s surface as it dries. First and foremost, it’s essential to understand what slows down the drying process. But there are ways to speed up the curing process. More specifically, it can take 28 days for each inch of thickness and only under ideal curing and drying conditions-such as an enclosed area with low humidity, proper air circulation, and the HVAC system on.īut more often than not, the curing and drying conditions are not always ideal, and project deadlines make that 28-day wait seem unbearable. The general rule of thumb for concrete curing time is 28 days. How Long Does It Take for Concrete to Cure? So, in order to have a concrete floor you can easily walk on, you must both cure it and dry it. Drying, on the other hand, means providing the proper conditions to allow the concrete to achieve the appropriate moisture. Curing concrete means providing adequate moisture, temperature and time that would help the concrete get the properties for the intended use. The Difference Between Curing and DryingĮven though these two terms are often used in the same way and refer to moisture, they do not mean the same thing. To avoid such damage and have your new concrete slab ready to use sooner than later, consider the following tips to help your concrete cure faster. While structural damage is of the utmost concern, wet concrete is also prone to less threatening but equally frustrating damage, like that pesky footprint or hand-carved inscription left by a passerby. Since concrete is still pliable when drying, it’s important to have it dry fast enough (but not too fast) to avoid damage. However, if the concrete dries too slowly, it can also be at risk of damage, along with being downright frustrating. If concrete dries too quickly, it will lose its strength and quality. And when it comes to ready mixed concrete, this can be particularly gruelling when you need to use your driveway, walkway, patio, or stairs.įreshly poured concrete needs time to cure so it can solidify and form the chemical bonds that are strong enough to support heavy loads, like vehicles, furniture, and foot traffic. There’s nothing more frustrating than something that takes what seems like forever to dry.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |