What is Concrete Curing?
Concrete curing is also known as definite hardening time or substantial drying time. It is a process that takes place immediately after the placing and finishing of the concrete.
During concrete curing, desired moisture and temperature are maintained on the concrete so that it has an adequate amount of water for the development of strength, resistance against environmental conditions, scaling resistance, etc.
What Concrete Curing Does to Concrete Structure?
- Retains the moisture in the concrete so that concrete can gain strength.
- Avoids cracking due to shrinkage by delaying the shrinkage time till the concrete is strong enough to withstand the shrinkage.
- Improves the strength, durability, water resistance, and overall strength of the concrete.
How Long Does Concrete Curing Take?
The concrete curing time depends on various factors like the types of cement used, temperature, kind of construction, desired strength, etc.
Concrete floor curing time will differ from concrete pillar curing time and concrete foundation curing time.
Generally, at temperatures above 5 degrees Celsius, it takes seven days (one week) for concrete to reach 70% of its strength.
Below is a table showing the concrete curing time based on the types of cement used.
Types of Cement Used Curing Time
Type I, ASTM C 150–when the special properties are specified. Seven days
Type II, ASTM C 150– for regular uses and when moderate sulfate resistance is required. Ten days
Type III, ASTM C 150–when high early strength is needed. Three days
Type IV, ASTM C 150–when a low heat of hydration is required. 14 days
Type V, ASTM C 150–when high sulfate resistance is required. 14 days
Hydraulic Cement, Blended Hydraulic Cement, Expansive Hydraulic Cement Not fixed
Concrete curing time also depends upon the structure of the construction.
Below is a table showing the concrete curing period for different structures.
Structure Examples Minimum Curing period, days
Pavements, floor, and other concrete slabs on the ground Concrete floor curing time, concrete foundation fixing time. Refer to Table-1
Buildings, bridges, and other structures: All portions of buildings except slabs-on-grade, small footings, retaining walls, piers, tunnel linings, and conduits. Refer to Table-1
Unreinforced massive sections not containing ground granulated blast furnace slag or pozzolan – 14
Unreinforced massive sections containing ground granulated blast furnace slag or pozzolan – 21
Reinforced mass concrete – 7
Colored concrete floors and slabs – 7
Shrinkage-compensating concrete – 7
Roller-compacted concrete – 14
- Uses of Roller Compacted Concrete
These were the minimum curing times of concrete structures. The strength gained by the concrete gradually increases during the curing time.
In contrast, Fiber cement siding is better than other budget-friendly, highly manufactured products, such as PVC or aluminum panels. Fiber cement is typically easy to install and gives a durable feel and look to your home, office, or apartment.
Before settling for just any material, ensure it matches the aesthetic of your space, the size, and other factors that play in this choice. Most homeowners choose skirting boards made of MDF because they are less expensive. MDF skirting boards are covered in synthetic sheets and are made of wood. MDF boards are highly heat-resistant and hard to crack. Alternatively, you can settle on a PVC skirting board, oak dado rail, or a Radiata pine board. The material you choose is highly significant since it dictates how sturdy the panels will be and how much you must pay.
The design of your skirting board is less important than the material. You can go for a plain panel, yet it will, in any case, add rich energy to your room as long as the variety is correct. In a similar vein, you must also choose the material with care.