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How is concrete cured after it is poured?

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Cement The cement-making process, from crushing and grinding of raw materials, through roasting of the ground and mixed ingredients, to final cooling and storing of the finished product.

Curing is a critical process in concrete construction used to ensure the material reaches its intended strength and durability. Because concrete can experience unequal tensile stresses if it dries prematurely, it must be kept damp for a period after pouring to slow the shrinkage that occurs during hardening.1

One common technique is membrane curing, where a liquid material is sprayed over the exposed surface of the concrete shortly after finishing. This material solidifies into an essentially impervious layer that traps the mixing water inside, allowing it to hydrate the cement over time.2

Environmental factors, particularly temperature, also play a significant role in the curing process. Low temperatures can adversely affect strength, so additives like calcium chloride may be used to accelerate the setting process and generate heat. Conversely, large concrete forms are generally not poured in freezing conditions if they cannot be adequately protected.1