The future of concrete curing

About ConcreteConcrete is one of the most widely used construction materials globally. It is strong and versatile.Concrete’s service life will be affected by factors such as curing (hydration), composition, exposure and load stresses.

Early CrackingThe two main reasons:1) Plastic Settlement Cracking

The concrete settles and pulls back from the bars while curing.This is usually caused by insufficient cover over the reinforcing.

Early CrackingThe two main reasons:2) Plastic Shrinkage Cracking

This is the most common cause of cracking while curing.It is essential to maintain the concrete’s moisture level during the critical 6 hours after pour. If evaporation exceeds bleed, the top layer of the concrete will dry out, causing cracking.

Avoiding Shrinkage CrackingWe recommend the use of a penetrating hydrogel, at the time of pour.This method- improves the curing process- seals the concrete against moisture from all directions- is immune from surface damage.- does not affect overcoating

Fresh moisture cannot enter the concrete

The treatment penetrates the microcracks of the concrete, reacting with the cement and the existing moisture to form a protective gel – a ‘hydrogel’.

As an option, the hydrogel can be introduced as an admixture.

Comparing Methods of Reducing Shrinkage Cracking

BENEFIT Penetrating Hydrogels Surface Treatment

High moisture retention About 97% About 91%

Immune to surface damage YES NO

Penetrates into the concrete

YES NO

Long-term benefits to the service life of the concrete

YES NO

Permanent YES NO

Where curing quality is critical

Where the curing quality is critical to the future use of the concrete, a curing blanket is also recommended.

The combination of a curing blanket and hydrogel gives almost 100% moisture retention during the curing process, and ensures even curing across the face of the concrete.

Where curing quality is critical

Hydrogel penetrates deep into the concrete for immediate and long-term crack prevention.

Curing blanket gives consistent and reliable coverage across the surface of the concrete.

For Peak Shrinkage Cracking ControlWe recommend the use of a specific concrete hydrogel additive at time of mixing, in conjunction with the hydrogel applied after pour.

The additive reduces the bleedwater, as the concrete’s moisture is bound to the compound.

The spray applied seals any surface microcracking.

Ideal for civil structures.

For Peak Shrinkage Cracking Control

Additive included in the concrete at the mixing point for long-term impermeability.

Hydrogel applied for curing and sealing.

Why is Cracking Such a Problem?Early cracking in concrete allows contaminants deep into the pores of the concrete. This can set up a cycle of further cracking, and potential corrosion of the reinforcing.

Moisture Oxygen Carbon dioxide Chlorides ... and othercontaminants

Important!If cracks develop while curing, this has a long-term negative impact on the concrete service life.

You can improve crack prevention at time of pour, and maximize concrete service life.