What Is The Setting Time For Concrete?
The truth is concrete curing is a continuous process, it hardens steadily forever. But practically speaking, concrete curing reaches a point, which is after a couple of weeks, where hardening will become too slow and invisible.
Does Concrete Stop Curing?
The reason behind its continuous hardening is due to the curing process (hydration). During this stage, cement particles react with water in the mix which will continue to form bonds as long as cement comes in contact with moisture. Concrete does not stop curing but curing process is minimal after it attains its full strength.
What Is The Curing Time For Concrete?
The full strength of concrete is known in a couple of weeks (28 days) this is the standard time for curing. Within seven days one should be able to get 70% concrete cured to its full strength. Bear in mind that the curing time for concrete to set is within 24-48 hours. At this stage, you can confidently walk on the placed concrete without fear of leaving footprint behind, but heavy equipment should not be placed on it yet. After 28 days it will be ready to take anything that is placed on it.
Factors Affecting Concrete Setting Time
- Moisture – Very important in a concrete curing process. Insufficient water in the mix leads to fast concrete curing which will result in a weaker overall strength. Flaking is inevitable if too much moisture is used in the finishing phase.
- Hot ambient weather temperatures and wind increase evaporation of moisture. This speeds up concrete setting time.
- Accelerants – sometimes they are required, especially if the area where the concrete needs to be placed is in need of it urgently. The function of accelerants is to speed up concrete setting time. It mixes will show weakness in the end but will meet the strength required for a period of time.
ALCO Electric Curing Blankets
ALCO Electric Curing Blankets are the solution to all your worries in concrete setting time. During summer conditions, concrete setting is fast and would show weakness in the end but with ALCO Electric Curing Blankets one can maneuver the temperature of the curing process to a typical curing setting. The same thing applies to a cold/winter condition, it keeps concrete safe from cold. ALCO Electric Curing Blankets regulate concrete setting time in both cold and hot temperatures.
Advantages Of Electric Curing Blankets
- Easily Installed.
- Concrete curing is faster compared to insulated blankets.
- Freeze cycle is prevented.
- Increases profit.
- Balances moisture during a curing process.
- Maintain ACI compliance for cold temperature concreting.
- Takes 72 hours to produce full concrete strength in cold weather.
- Portable and easily moved from job sites.
- Draws heat away and lowers the temperature of concrete.
- Blanket cover and insulation are the same as the robust system used in ALCO heating blankets.
- Control the curing speed of newly poured concrete even in hot conditions.
- Offer a means to cure concrete effectively and assertively.
- Increase production by rapidly curing with consistent, even heat.
