Strong and Long-Lasting Concrete Through Proper Maintenance

In scorching temperatures exceeding 40°C, the water in concrete can evaporate quickly, leaving insufficient moisture for the curing process. Without proper maintenance, concrete can crack, lose strength, and have a reduced lifespan, leading to costly repairs and potential safety risks.

In this article, we will explore the correct methods for concrete maintenance to ensure that it gains the required strength and avoids surface cracking due to moisture loss. Additionally, we will highlight the benefits of adhering to standard concrete curing procedures, ultimately enhancing performance and reliability in every construction project.

Why Concrete Maintenance is Essential

Concrete: The Backbone of Construction

Maintaining concrete is crucial for ensuring the quality and longevity of any construction project. Properly curing concrete for columns, foundations, ceilings, and lintels allows it to reach its maximum strength and durability. This results in improved load-bearing capacity, stability, and resistance to both mechanical and environmental stresses, ultimately extending its lifespan.

Preventing Cracking

Concrete can crack if it dries too quickly or shrinks due to improper maintenance. Regular curing helps maintain the necessary moisture levels, minimizing the risk of cracks and protecting the surface from environmental damage. This not only keeps the concrete looking good and enduring but also ensures the overall safety of the structure.

Essential Tips for Pouring and Curing Concrete

When working with concrete, using quality materials such as cement, gravel, sand, and water is essential. All these materials must be thoroughly checked before use to ensure optimal concrete quality. To achieve the best results, follow these strict guidelines:

1. Pouring Concrete

• Prepare the Formwork: Before pouring, ensure that the formwork is sturdy enough to withstand both pressure and vibration. It should be sealed properly to prevent water from leaking out of the freshly mixed concrete.
• Handle the Rebar: Clean and position the rebar according to load-bearing requirements, then secure it tightly to ensure durability.
• Pouring Process: Pour the concrete continuously to form a solid mass without voids. Use compaction tools like vibrators and tampers to ensure the concrete is well-compressed and free of air pockets.

2. Concrete Curing

• Surface Covering: After pouring the concrete into the formwork and shaping it according to the design, immediately cover the surface with damp materials like jute bag to prevent water loss and avoid cracking.
• Moistening: Concrete should be kept moist frequently from 6 to 10 hours after pouring. You can keep the surface wet by soaking it with water. The average curing time is about 2 weeks to ensure the concrete reaches its best quality.

Curing Method with Jute Bags

Covering with Jute Bags

Once the concrete begins to set, cover the surface with a layer of sand, then place jute bag over it and water the entire concrete surface regularly.

• First Week: Water the concrete surface continuously to maintain necessary moisture. If it rains within 2 days after pouring, cover the concrete to protect it from direct rainfall, which could cause surface damage. For the first three days, avoid walking on or placing materials on the newly poured concrete. Concrete can typically be walked on after 1.5 days in summer and 3 days in winter.
• Subsequent Days: For the first seven days, water the concrete every 3 hours during the day and at least once at night. From day 14 to 18, water it at least 3 times a day. Regular curing must be maintained for one week after pouring. In cooler weather, you can reduce the frequency of watering, but in hot conditions, more frequent and extended watering is necessary to ensure the concrete remains moist and achieves the best quality.

Soaking Jute Bags Before Covering

Before covering the concrete surface, make sure to thoroughly soak the jute bag in water. Once saturated, lay the jute bag over the concrete to maintain moisture for an extended period. It’s important to evenly spray water over the jute bag to avoid any dry spots, which can prevent cracking and surface imperfections. Use a fine mist sprayer to ensure consistent moisture, as this method is more effective than spraying large amounts of water sporadically, which can leave the concrete dry between applications.

The soaking cycle for the jute bag should be performed regularly to keep the jute bag moist. If it rains after pouring the concrete, the rain will help maintain moisture, but if the weather turns sunny afterward, promptly re-soak the jute bag to prevent excessive evaporation. Keeping the jute bag consistently damp will contribute to improving the overall quality of the construction project.

CONTACT CHEN HAO FOR IMMEDIATE SUPPORT AND CONSULTATION!