ARRB Conference Melbourne 2001

THE INFLUENCE OF CURING ON THE QUALITY OF

CONCRETE - BRINGING OUT THE BEST FROM CONCRETE

F Andrews-Phaedonos
B.E. (Hons), M.I.E. Aust, C.P. Eng
Technical Consultant-Concrete, GeoPave, VicRoads, Victoria

ABSTRACT
In concrete technology terms curing of concrete is considered an integral part of the overall
construction process in order to achieve its full in-situ performance and durability. However, it
is still seen by many as an unnecessary impediment to further work and the ability to move
on as soon as possible to the next stage of the work. Even when some effort is made to
satisfy specification requirements, this is sometimes done in a half-hearted manner and often
associated with poor practice. The purpose of this paper is to present relevant research work
which demonstrates the fundamental importance of curing of concrete in achieving desired
properties such as low penetrability (i.e. low VPV – volume of permeable voids), design
strength, stripping times, serviceability and, very importantly, durability. The data presented
shows that continuous and uninterrupted moist curing under controlled conditions is by far
the most effective curing technique. However, the investigation also established that curing
compounds and to a lesser extent polyethylene plastic sheeting (by itself) can have an
adverse effect on both strength development and VPV of the concrete. The paper finally
summarises the performance of the various curing methods and presents a series of
recommendations in relation to their usage. The effects of curing on the optimum
development of the concrete microstructure and the desirable conditions required for an
effective curing process are also discussed.

INTRODUCTION
Appropriate curing of concrete is an essential factor during its early stages of life so that
desired properties such as low penetrability (permeability/volume of permeable voids (VPV));
design strength, stripping times, serviceability and durability are achieved. Curing requires
the application of water or steam accelerated curing, or retention of water in the concrete by
other means such as retaining formwork in place, polyethylene sheeting or curing
compounds. Curing of the concrete should start immediately after finishing or removal of
formwork to restrict the rate of water loss by evaporation from the surface of the concrete
and therefore prevent any adverse effects. In particular, specification requirements relating to
hot, cold or wet weather concreting must be adhered to.

Although the importance of thorough curing is well recognised in terms of achieving the
potential strength of concrete, its even greater importance to the promotion of concrete
durability and long term performance is still less widely recognised or appreciated. It should
be emphasised however, that achieving early strength requirements alone, is not an excuse
for discontinuing curing of concrete at an early or premature age. In order to develop the full
potential of concrete, the curing should not only be adequately and genuinely controlled by
Contractors as required by specifications, but also adequately supervised by the
Superintendent’s Representative. Curing should be taken seriously by designers, specifiers,
suppliers, contractors and contract administrators alike.

As such, the following extract from (Neville 1989) is offered for serious consideration.

“... adequate and continuous curing from the moment when the concrete is finished or
the formwork is removed is of importance but, like batching and mixing, curing
requires close supervision ....
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 ARRB Conference Melbourne 2001

Curing can make all the difference between having good concrete at the end of the placing
operation which becomes good concrete in the structure in service on the one hand and, on
the other, having good concrete at the end of the placing operation ruined by the lack of a
small effort”.

DEFINITION OF CURING
Curing is the process by which freshly placed or relatively new concrete is maintained at
favourable moisture and temperature conditions, which enable the hydration of cementitious
materials (i.e. chemical reaction) to proceed at a satisfactory rate. Under such conditions
young concrete is protected from early excessive evaporative moisture losses and
temperature extremes which can adversely affect its strength and durability. The harmful
effects of such major influencing factors as high wind speeds, air temperature, relative
humidity, and variable concrete temperatures (particularly within large cross sections), can
be brought under control when a suitable environment is created through good curing
practices. Lack of proper curing essentially results in a more open, more porous and much
weaker concrete microstructure, which would allow easier and quicker access of aggressive
agents (i.e. chlorides, carbon dioxide, moisture, oxygen etc), into the concrete. Although in
the majority of cases lack of proper curing practice does not result in immediate failure or
deterioration of structures, many structures have been found to have suffered from
premature deterioration and loss of durability as a result of lack of attention to the 4C’s of
durability, namely, the constituents of the concrete mix, cover, compaction and proper curing
practices and of course the major interaction between these four parameters.

THEORETICAL CONSIDERATIONS OF CURING

Chemical and Physical Structure of Cement Paste

The main factor controlling concrete penetrability by aggressive agents is the pore structure
of the concrete, and in particular the interconnected capillary pores and other void systems
within the hardened cement paste matrix. The volume of capillary pores depends on the
water/cementitious material (W/C) ratio and the degree of hydration, and therefore the higher
the W/C ratio the greater is the capillary porosity. The degree of hydration of the cementitious
materials, and therefore the ability to produce capillary discontinuity for a particular W/C ratio
depends greatly on the effectiveness and length of curing. Incomplete hydration, usually
caused by lack of curing, further increases the volume of capillary pores. The capillary
porosity in the paste is the reason why concrete is permeable to both liquids and gases.
Within the structure of the hydrated gel itself there are interconnected interstitial voids known
as gel pores, which are considerably smaller than the capillary pores. These may also
provide a route by which gases and liquids can permeate through concrete. However,
because they are so small their contribution to total penetrability of cement paste is very low.
The penetrability of concrete is generally several times greater than that of cement paste
owing to a third pore system which is provided by air voids, defects at the interfacial zones of
hydrated cement and aggregate particles and micro cracks, some of which are due to
bleeding, humidity and temperature changes and inadequate compaction and curing.

Capillary Discontinuity
Powers et al 1959, established that as curing progresses, capillary pores, which are initially
continuous, begin to fill with the products of hydration and therefore become segmented
(discontinuous), thus decreasing the penetrability (permeability) of concrete. They basically
found that the greater the volume of capillary pores due to the higher W/C ratios (i.e. 0.4 to
0.7) the longer hydration (and curing) was necessary to produce capillary discontinuity.
Essentially they estimated that for W/C ratios of 0.5, more than 14 days of continuous moist
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curing was required to achieve capillary discontinuity, whereas for W/C greater than 0.70 it
was impossible to ever achieve discontinuous capillary pores, due to the large distances
(gap) between hydrating cement particles. Table 1 provides the estimated times required to
produce sufficient hydration products which would produce disconnected capillary pores. It is
quite obvious from this table that anything other than continuous moist curing would be less
than ideal curing, particularly for W/C ratios of less than or equal to 0.50 which are
associated with VicRoads structural concrete, let alone neglecting or abusing the provision of
adequate curing as prescribed in specifications.

Table 1

Approximate Time Of Continuous Moist Curing Required To Produce Maturity Of

Concrete At Which Capillary Pores Become Discontinuous (Powers et al 1959)

Water/Cement (W/C) Ratio Time of continuous moist curing required

0.4 3 days
0.45 7 days
0.50 14 days
0.60 6 months
0.70 1 year
>0.70 Impossible

DESIRABLE CONDITIONS OF CURING

Moisture Conditions/Humidity
As indicated previously the availability of moist conditions is of paramount importance in
producing concrete of low porosity, and therefore loss of water can have an adverse effect
on the progress of the hydration reaction. A minimum of 80% RH (relative humidity) is
required in the general environment outside the concrete (CIA 1991) for the hydration
reaction to be maintained. In addition, the rate of hydration decreases substantially as the
RH within the concrete pores (i.e. internal RH) drops below 95% and no further reduction in
porosity is achieved once the relative humidity in the capillary pores falls below 80% (Cather
1992). Under such conditions the cover zone will be the most affected, thus resulting in well-
documented deficiencies such as low strength, reduced durability, and excessive cracking
etc. Although theoretically the amount of mixing water is more than enough to accommodate
the hydration process, excessive evaporative moisture losses, due to lack of adequate
protection of the fresh concrete immediately after the screeding and finishing operations, can
reduce the moisture levels within the concrete below the critical RH mentioned above. To this
end the combined effects of wind velocity, relative humidity, air and concrete temperatures
should be adequately controlled in accordance with specified requirements. As actual
concrete structures may be exposed to temperature extremes (generally 0oC to 40oC),
relative humidities of less than 80% and variable weather conditions (CIA 1991), attention
must be given to counteract these extreme conditions through controlled curing by all parties.

Temperature
The concrete temperature controls the rate at which the hydration takes place (like any other
chemical reaction) and therefore satisfactory temperature levels must be maintained for a
sufficient period of time, together with favourable moisture conditions, in order to facilitate the
strength development and the continuous generation of pore filling hydration products. As
such the curing measures adopted must also take into account the prevailing conditions
including air temperature, which can greatly affect the concrete temperature, particularly at
the cover zone and therefore suitable precautions should be incorporated.

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Curing temperatures in ambient conditions can generally range between 5 oC and 40 oC
depending on the prevailing temperature conditions with an ideal curing temperature
considered to be around 23oC, at which the overall concrete properties can be optimised. Of
course in the case of accelerated steam curing conditions, temperatures can be as high as
75 oC, with a more rapid hydration reaction taking place (VicRoads 2000).

It should be noted that the rate of cement hydration is greatly retarded when the concrete
temperature is below 10 oC and virtually stops when the concrete temperature drops below
5oC. As such, it is generally accepted that the minimum curing temperature should be 10 oC.
In recognition of this, VicRoads specifications prohibit the placement of concrete when the
temperature of the fresh concrete as delivered to the site is less than 10 oC or greater than
32 oC, or when the corresponding air temperature is lower than 5 oC or greater than 35 oC
(VicRoads 2000).

Time
The control of time allowed for curing of concrete is a fundamental parameter, which links
together both the moisture and temperature conditions of concrete. Generally, all properties
of concrete improve with time and therefore a number of time dependent relationships are
developed when assessing the performance of concrete.

METHODS OF CURING
Curing methods may be divided into three basic groups. The first group involves the water
adding techniques (water curing methods) which counteract evaporation, such as ponding,
spraying or sprinkling, wet hessian and damp sand. The second group involves water
retaining techniques which minimise loss of water through evaporation, such as covering with
polyethylene plastic, spraying-on a curing compound or leaving the formwork in place. The
third category involves accelerated curing methods (i.e. at elevated temperatures) such as
low pressure steam curing, radiant heat, electrical curing, curing by infra-red radiation,
deliberate carbonation, microwave curing and high pressure steam curing or autoclave.
Where appropriate a combination of these methods can also be implemented to ensure a
more effective curing regime.

Water Adding Techniques

Ponding: is considered to be a very effective way of curing concrete, particularly for
horizontal concrete surfaces such as slabs, pavements, culvert bases etc. There are some
practical disadvantages associated with this method and as such it is not used on a frequent
basis. These include slabs on a sloping surface, staining of the concrete surface by the dam
material, and creating wet conditions around the construction site.

Spraying (fog spray) or sprinkling of water: with spray nozzles or soaker hoses is another
efficient way of providing moist conditions on exposed concrete surfaces. However, an effort
has to be made to ensure that the whole of the concrete surface is kept wet at all times
during the curing period, and any wetting/drying conditions be avoided. This is particularly
important in windy conditions. Manually controlled intermittent sprinkling or spraying can be
unreliable if not properly supervised, although the use of an intermittent timer system is a
very reliable option.

Wet hessian: or other absorptive fabric material can be used as a very effective curing
method for both flat and vertical surfaces. Water is provided via sprinklers or soaker hoses
and these materials can provide a well distributed curing atmosphere to the whole concrete
surface. They must be kept saturated on a continuous basis and should not be allowed to dry
out particularly in hot weather. Intermittent drying out of the hessian may result in absorption

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of moisture from the concrete itself, which is obviously undesirable. Wetting and drying
periods should be avoided as concrete cracking can occur.

Wet sand: is an effective moist curing method, but due to its high cost it is not used
extensively. Failure to keep the sand moist will result in moisture leaving the concrete, which
is of course undesirable. Alternate drying out and wetting of the cover may cause cracking.

Water Retaining Techniques

Retention of formwork in-place: is considered an acceptable way of protecting concrete
against the loss of moisture and thus enabling the concrete to cure in a satisfactory moisture
condition. However, exposed top surfaces need to be cured effectively using one of the
other curing techniques, with wet hessian and/or polyethylene plastic being the most widely
used options. Once the formwork has been struck or removed prior to the completion of the
required curing period, curing should continue with one of the other acceptable curing
methods (i.e. wet hessian/polyethylene etc) for the duration of the curing period. It should be
noted that once the formwork is struck, curing by the formwork is considered ineffective. In
addition, it is also advisable that in hot weather formwork is kept damp to further enhance the
overall curing environment. The curing of surfaces should commence within half an hour of
the removal or striking of the formwork from the section.

Polyethylene sheeting (plastic): or other impermeable coverings such as waterproof curing

paper are another effective method of retaining moisture within the concrete. Although it may
be less effective than water curing methods, this curing technique is used with greater
frequency compared to other methods because it can be carried out more easily and it
provides fewer impediments to construction progress. Polyethylene sheeting with a minimum
thickness of 0.1 mm can be used on both vertical and horizontal surfaces. Overlapping by at
least 300 mm is necessary to minimise moisture drying and joints should be sealed
effectively with adhesive tape. Care should also be taken to avoid damage by construction.

Curing compounds: are less effective than polyethylene plastic and even less effective than
water adding curing techniques. Their function is to restrict the loss of water during the early
hardening and maturing period by sealing the concrete surface. However, due to their ease
of application, their lower relative cost and lack of ongoing maintenance requirements they
are still very practicable and an attractive proposition, and as such they are widely used.
Nevertheless, to be effective and acceptable they must satisfy the requirements of Australian
Standard AS 3799, and in particular they must have an efficiency index of at least 90% after
72 hours.

Self-Curing (Internal Curing) of Concrete: involves the addition of proprietary liquid

admixtures (in a similar manner to normal admixtures) during the manufacture of concrete at
the batching plant. When added at the correct dosage levels, these admixtures basically
work by promoting a more uniform cement hydration within the whole concrete component
which results in further microstructure modification, and by developing an internal membrane
which prevents water to evaporate from the freshly placed concrete. According to current
literature and some manufacturers’ test data, internally cured concrete can perform as good
as, if not better than, spray on curing compounds in terms of strength development,
watertightness, reduced shrinkage and cracking.

Accelerated Curing Techniques

Low Pressure Steam Curing: (i.e. pressure of around 70 to 100 KPa, which is near
atmospheric pressure) is aiming to achieve a higher early strength which would satisfy
requirements for early lifting or the transfer of prestressing force requirements, by
accelerating the hydration reaction of the freshly placed concrete. The duration of a good
curing cycle may range between 12 and 23 hours. This covers four distinct periods, all of
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which can influence the quality and long term performance of the final product. These are the
presteam delay period (i.e. initial maturity) of 2 to 5 hours, temperature increase (rise) period
of about 2 to 3 hours, maximum temperature or soaking period of about 6 to 12 hours and a
cooling period (temperature decrease period) of about 2 to 3 hours.

Radiant Heat (Heated Moulds) Curing: involves the circulation of hot water through steel
jackets/rectangular hollow sections attached to the sides and/or underside of steel moulds to
apply heat to the product. This is another convenient way of accelerating the hydration
reaction and thus obtains a high early strength for precast concrete products.

STUDY OF PERFORMANCE OF VARIOUS CURING REGIMES

The effectiveness of various curing regimes was studied as part of an extensive VicRoads
program on the overall durability of concrete (Andrews-Phaedonos 1996). A number of
cylinders 100mm x 200mm in size were cast from several mixes. All cylinders were cast in
two layers, each layer being compacted using a vibrating table. Two batches of cylinders
cast from an onsite concrete used hand-rodding. Concrete cylinder moulds were covered
with mould caps and plastic sheeting for 18 to 24 hours after casting. They were then
demoulded and transferred to their various curing regimes.

Curing Methods used in the Research

Following demoulding, concrete cylinders were placed into their respective curing regimes
until required for testing, namely 3, 7, 28, 90 or 150 days. The following curing methods were
utilised:

a) Moist curing in bath water maintained at 23 ± 2 OC in accordance with AS1012.

b) Wrapped in polyethylene plastic sheeting and stored out of doors for the whole
duration of the required curing periods.

c) Moist cured intermittently, to stimulate the most probable site conditions. Wet/dry
conditions achieved by placement in bathwater and exposing to the environment on
alternate days. During outdoor exposure concrete cylinders would have been
influenced by available moisture in the atmosphere and rain periods.

d) Application of approved curing compound and out door exposure for the duration of
the required curing periods.

It should be noted that moist curing in bath water was the only curing method, which allowed
specimens to be cured under laboratory, controlled conditions, and therefore provided the
necessary conditions for concrete to achieve its full potential both in terms of strength and
durability. The other three curing methods on the other hand, required concrete specimens to
be mainly cured at an exposure site under uncontrolled conditions, with no deliberate attempt
made to control the temperature, thus tending to simulate environmental conditions that
occur at typical construction sites.

Effect of Curing on Strength Development

Strength development is a very important parameter in concrete construction and it normally
has a great influence on the overall productivity on a construction site. In particular it is of a
great importance in terms of form work and prop removal times without causing any damage
to a structure, application of prestress for both pre-tensioned and prestressed precast units,
lifting, and transporting of precast units, and of course possible early loading requirements
superimposed on other cast in-situ concrete.

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Strength requirements are also very important in terms of satisfying design concrete strength
as stated in drawings and evaluating the long term performance of a particular concrete mix,
in satisfying minimum compressive strength specification requirements at 3,7 and 28 days for
each concrete grade. The results of this study have generally confirmed the widely
recognised view of the importance of thorough curing (i.e. timing of application in terms of the
appropriate type, length of time and continuity), in the promotion of the strength development
of concrete. The results also confirm the general trends observed in previous research
projects and as recorded in the literature, namely, that continued and uninterrupted moist
curing is the most effective curing technique, in achieving the required concrete properties
including the ultimate strength development and durability. However, such ideal curing
conditions, which provide for controlled temperature and relative humidity are not achievable
at the construction site. In general terms, as indicated in Figure 1 concrete cylinders
subjected to wetting and drying (i.e. resembling on site moist curing) suffered a reduction in
strength development of between 6% and 10%, polyethylene plastic sheeting about 15%,
with curing compound being worst with at least 22% reduction in strength development
compared to fully moist cured concrete (i.e. compared to moist curing). These results
compare to a 43% reduction for air cured samples as reported by (Price 1951).

On the other hand a comparison between the three uncontrolled curing regimes (i.e.
polyethylene plastic and curing compound compared to wet/dry curing), revealed that the
differences in strength development are much more comparable. Concrete specimens
wrapped in polyethylene plastic sheeting suffered a reduction of about 8% and curing
compound a reduction of about 16% relative to wet/dry curing (i.e. intermittent moist curing).

Moisture Loss

The general moisture loss from the cured samples is also indicative of the performance of
the various curing methods (see Figure 2). An average moisture loss of about 15% was
associated with the wet/dry curing method, about 20% with the polyethylene plastic and
about 25% in the case of curing compounds relative to fully moist cured concrete. In more
specific terms the VR330/32 (i.e. 330 kg minimum cementitious material content, 32 MPa)
and VR400/40 grade concretes suffered moisture losses of 25 to 30% for curing compound
treated concrete, 20 to 25% moisture losses for polyethylene plastic and 15 to 20% in the
case of alternate wet/dry curing. In contrast to this the concrete grade VR470/55 had lower
moisture losses of 10% for alternate wet/dry, 15% with polyethylene plastic and about 18%
with curing compound. As expected the lowest loss of moisture occurred with the higher
concrete grade (strength), as there is less water to be lost. However, as every bit of water is
required to maintain the hydration reaction for a larger period, such loss of water has a more
profound effect on strength development, in the case of higher strength concrete (see Figure
1). Although concrete mixes with high water contents (i.e. high W/C ratio and lower
strengths) exhibit substantial amounts of moisture losses (25 to 30%) the difference between
the strength development of the various curing methods is not significant, as there is still
sufficient moisture in the concrete to help continue the hydration process.

Effects of Bath Water Curing

As can been seen from Figure 1 full moist curing enables concrete to gain its full strength
potential as moisture is always available for hydration to continue for as long as possible. As
such all water cured concrete grades tested have achieved both initial and ultimate
strengths, well above the required respective specification requirements of 3, 7 and 28 days.
The exceptions to this are that the early age strengths of higher cement replacement mixes,
particularly for the higher strength grades (typically VR470/55) and as expected, mixes with
high W/C ratio. The behaviour of the high cement replacement mixes is more related to their
special needs.

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Effects of Polyethylene Plastic Curing

As indicated in Figure 1 polyethylene plastic is the better performing water retaining curing
technique. However, it is still much inferior to fully cured concrete, with an average reduction
in strength of about 15%. In the case of lower concrete grades (i.e. VR330/32 and
VR400/40), polyethylene plastic curing is performing marginally better at about 12%
reduction, whereas for higher concrete grades (i.e. VR470/55) the reduction compared to
moist curing is about 16%. In relation to the more relevant comparison with wet/dry curing,
polyethylene plastic has a general reduction in strength development of about 8%, with
reductions of between 6% to 12% reflecting the different concrete grades. These strength
reductions are also reflected by the relative moisture losses associated with the various
curing regimes as indicated in Figure 2. Once again the susceptibility of the higher strength
concrete to moisture losses is quite evident. These results indicate that although the use of
polyethylene plastic, without a wet hessian may be unacceptable for the higher concrete
grades, appropriate measures can be instituted, such as placing a wet hessian followed by
effectively sealing the plastic to ensure a continuous humid environment.

Effects of Wet/Dry Curing

The intention of this type of curing is to resemble environmental conditions and work
practices that occur with moist curing in the field. As it is a water adding technique it provides
a moist environment which reduces the rate of loss of water from the concrete compared to
the water retaining techniques. Due to the somewhat variable exposure conditions concrete
specimens subjected to this type of curing have strength development of between 6% to 10%
lower than fully moist cured concrete. As expected it is performing better (by about 8%) than
polyethylene plastic and even better (by about 16%) than curing compounds. Once again the
larger strength development reductions (compared to moist curing) are associated with the
higher concrete grades due to the higher susceptibility of these concretes to any moisture
losses.

Effects of Curing Compounds

The curing compounds used for this study were wax based, complying with both the
VicRoads structural concrete specification and AS3799 requirements for curing compounds.
As expected the membrane forming curing compounds suffered the greatest moisture losses
and were also the worst performers with respect to strength development (see Figure 2).
However, of a greater surprise was the magnitude of reduction of strength (see Figure 1). On
average, the general reduction was about 22% compared to fully moist cured concrete. More
specifically reductions associated with VR330/32 were about 16%, whereas for VR400/40
and VR470/55 they were 19% and 25% respectively.

Although the above comparisons should be viewed with some caution due to the differences
in environmental conditions of curing (i.e. variations in temperatures etc.), they do,
nevertheless, clearly demonstrate the fact that curing methods that involve the application of
water to the hardened concrete (i.e. moist curing, wet/dry curing) have a greater effect than
those based on prevention of water loss (i.e. polyethylene plastic, curing compound). The
above trends, however, are also emerging when direct comparisons are made amongst the
uncontrolled curing regimes (i.e. polyethylene plastic, wet/dry curing, and curing compound).
With respect to the wet/dry curing, the use of curing compounds has resulted in a general
strength reduction of about 16% with reductions of between 14% to 17%, reflecting the
various concrete grades. It is therefore considered that such reductions can not be ignored.

It is also worth recognising that unlike the small concrete specimens, most on-site structural
components consist of bulk concrete which has the capacity to generate and maintain
adequate heat (temperature) over longer periods of time thus extending the hydration

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reaction and further enhancing the in-situ strength development and other properties of
concrete. This is likely to help reduce to some extent the overall sensitivity of bulk concrete
components to the various curing methods in contrast to the higher sensitivity of the small
concrete specimens to loss of moisture. However, in the case of bridge decks and other
components such as retaining walls, large columns, box girder web walls etc, with large
surface area to volume ratio, the positive contribution of the bulk concrete would be partly
negated, due to the potential for larger moisture losses from the exposed surface area.

Therefore, on balance, having given consideration to both the investigation results and the
preceding discussion, it can be concluded that the use of currently approved curing
compounds would still result in unacceptable reductions in strength development of in-situ
concrete of the order of at least 10 to 15% compared to the wet/dry curing which simulates
the likely on-site moist curing conditions. In addition, it is worth referring to the work
undertaken by (Heiman 1969). This involved the first major evaluation of curing compounds
and other curing methods in Australia and which is still being referred to extensively.
Although he found curing compounds useful for normal or routine concreting applications, he
concluded as follows:

"Very good curing is one of the essential requirements for the production of watertight
concrete or concrete with low permeability, and the use of curing compounds is not
recommended for this type of construction. Ponding or covering with an impermeable
membrane that is placed over the concrete immediately after moistening it with a fine spray
of water can be used. The edges of the membrane should be lapped and sealed. Curing with
wet sand should be used only if the concrete can be kept moist during the whole of the
curing period."

Of course, technology in the area of curing compounds has improved substantially since
1969, and the practical advantages should not be ignored. However, concerns on loss of
valuable moisture and strength development, and potential adverse effects on durability,
remain strong and are further confirmed by this investigation. Having taken into account all
relevant factors, it is considered that the use of curing compounds on VicRoads structural
concrete, should only be allowed on conventional concretes or concretes with moderate
replacement levels of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) as defined in the
specification, for non-aggressive environments, subject to the following conditions.

(a) The specified strength grade should be increased by 10 MPa to compensate for the
effect of curing compound, thereby requiring the adoption of the next higher concrete
grade where curing compounds are proposed by the contractor.

This proposal is similar in intention to the requirements of Tables 5.4.10.3 (a) and (b)
in Section 5.4.10.3 of the Australian Bridge Design Code (AUSTROADS 92), where a
reduction in concrete cover to the steel reinforcement is allowed if a higher strength
grade of concrete is adopted for the particular exposure classification.

(b) An alternative option available to a contractor could be the submission of relevant

documentary evidence, based on testing of trial mixes which demonstrates that the
use of a particular curing compound (applied to all surfaces of the specimen) with the
proposed mix design, satisfies the strength requirements of the specification. The
specimens should be cured in a manner, which simulates the Contractor's on-site
curing proposal.

(c) In addition to adopting one of the above options, the specification should further
require that where curing compounds are used, they should be applied to unformed
surfaces (i.e. bridge decks, walls etc.) immediately (no delay!) after completion of all
finishing operations, and to formed surfaces within half an hour (absolutely no
longer!) of the removal of formwork from the concrete component.

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(d) Curing compounds should not be allowed for use on concrete, which is located in
aggressive environments.

Effects of Curing on VPV (Penetrability/Permeability)

Examination of the test data and in particular Figure 1 indicates that the type and length of
curing have a much greater effect on VPV (i.e. penetrability) compared to the effects on
strength development. As expected fully moist cured specimens exhibit the lowest % of VPV
(i.e. lowest penetrability). On the other hand, concrete samples subjected to wetting and
drying (i.e. resembling on-site moist curing) suffered an increase in VPV of about 2 to 6% (cf.
6-10% reduction in strength), polyethylene plastic sheeting about 21% (cf. 15% reduction in
strength) and curing compound about 37% (cf. 22% reduction in strength). Clearly, curing
compounds and to a lesser extent polyethylene plastic can have an adverse effect on VPV
and therefore the penetrability of the concrete. The equivalent on site moist curing (wet/dry)
indicates similar negative effects for both VPV and strength development.

A further comparison between the three uncontrolled regimes (i.e. polyethylene plastic and
curing compound compared to wet/dry curing) indicates that both polyethylene plastic
sheeting and curing compounds have a very negative effect on VPV, with increases of 18%
(cf. 8% reduction in strength) and 34% (cf. 16% reduction in strength), respectively,
compared to wet/dry curing (i.e. resembling onsite moist curing). In view of these large
increases in VPV, it is considered that the recommendations made regarding strength
development, would also serve to drastically minimise any undue increases in VPV, where
polyethylene plastic sheeting or curing compounds are used.

As stated previously, polyethylene plastic sheeting should only be used on site in conjunction
with a wet hessian, followed by effective sealing to ensure a continuous humid environment.
Where a curing compound is proposed, it was recommended to adopt the next higher
concrete grade (i.e. from VR330/32 to VR400/40 etc). The other alternative is to consider
documented evidence based on trial mixes and undertake curing immediately after finishing
for unformed surfaces, or within 1/2 hour after removal of formwork for formed surfaces.
Curing compounds or plastic sheeting should not be allowed for use on concrete, which is
located in aggressive environments. Polyethylene plastic sheeting or similar means should
only be used in aggressive environments, in conjunction with continuous water curing to
protect the surfaces of the concrete being cured (i.e. isolate), against the ingress of chlorides
from salt water or seaspray.

Effects of curing on other properties of concrete

Inadequate curing of concrete can have adverse effects on several other important
properties of concrete. These may include excessive shrinkage and creep, reduction in
abrasion resistance, increase in efflorescence, blistering, curling and uneven colour and
consequently a further reduction in the long-term durability of concrete.

SUMMARY OF RESEARCH FINDINGS

The investigation has established that curing compounds and to a lesser extent polyethylene
plastic sheeting can have an adverse effect on both strength development and VPV or
permeability of the concrete. In comparison to standard moist conditions, concrete samples
subjected to wetting and drying suffered an increase in VPV of about 2 to 6% (cf. 6-10%
reduction in strength), polyethylene plastic sheeting about 21% (cf. 15% reduction in
strength) and curing compound suffered an increase of the order of 37% (cf. 22% reduction
in strength). A comparison between the three uncontrolled curing regimes (i.e. most likely on
site curing regimes), indicates that polyethylene plastic sheeting and curing compounds have
a very negative effect on VPV, with increases of 18% (cf. 8% reduction in strength

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 ARRB Conference Melbourne 2001
development) and 34% (cf. 16% reduction in strength development) respectively, compared
to wetting and drying curing (i.e. resembling on site moist curing).

CONCLUDING REMARKS
Moist Curing must be the preferred on-site curing method. For a given specified concrete
strength grade, strong consideration should be given to adopting the next higher concrete
grade where curing compounds are proposed for structural concrete construction. Under no
circumstances should curing compounds be allowed for use on concrete surfaces located in
marine or other aggressive environments. Polyethylene plastic should only be allowed for
use in conjunction with the prior application of a wet hessian followed by effective sealing to
ensure a continuous humid environment. This shall apply for exposure conditions other than
marine or aggressive environments.

Polyethylene plastic should only be allowed for use in marine and other aggressive
environments in conjunction with a wet hessian and subsequent continuous water curing.
Such an arrangement would also protect the surfaces of concrete being cured (i.e. isolate)
against the ingress of chlorides of exposed concrete surfaces or seaspray. Curing
compounds and polyethylene plastic sheeting should not be allowed for use with concrete
with high replacement SCMs. The curing of exposed concrete surfaces including major patch
repairs and sprayed concrete should commence immediately (i.e. strictly within half an hour)
after finishing operations are progressively completed. The curing of formed surfaces should
also commence within half an hour of the removal of formwork from the member.

REFERENCES
ANDREWS-PHAEDONOS, F. (1996), Establishing the Durability Performance of Structural
Concrete", General Report, VicRoads, Melbourne.

CATHER, B. (1992), How to get better Curing, Concrete Magazine, Concrete Society,
London.

CIA. (1991). Recommended Practice- Curing of Concrete.

HEIMAN, J. L. (1969), Curing Compounds: Their Use and Effectiveness, Building Materials
and Equipment, Sydney.

NEVILLE, A. M. (1989), Why Usual Specifications Do Not Produce Durable Concrete, 3rd
Int'l Conf., Deterioration and Repair of Reinforced Concrete in the Arabian Gulf, BSE,
Bahrain.

POWERS, T.C., COPELAND, L.E. AND MANN, H.M. (1959), Capillary Continuity or
Discontinuity in Cement Pastes, Journal, PCA, Research and Development Laboratories.

PRICE, W.H. (1951), Factors Influencing Concrete Strength, Journal, ACI, Vol 47, p 417 -
432.

VICROADS. (2000), “Structural Concrete” Standard Specification Section 610

AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY
Fred Andrews-Phaedonos graduated from Monash University in 1978 with an honours
degree in Civil Engineering. Since then he has worked for VicRoads, mainly in bridge and
concrete related areas. At present he is a member of the GeoPave Department of VicRoads,
where he is a technical specialist in the areas of concrete technology, concrete durability,
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 ARRB Conference Melbourne 2001
diagnostic assessment, protection and repair of concrete. He is a member of several
Standards Australia and AUSTROADS technical committees and was a member of the
organising committees for the RILEM and AAR international conferences held in Melbourne
in 1992 and 1996 respectively. He is an elected member of the Federal Council and current
President of the Victoria Branch of the Concrete Institute of Australia. He is the author or co-
author of more than 35 technical papers presented at both national and international
conferences in Australia and overseas, and numerous major technical reports released
within VicRoads and elsewhere.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The author wishes to thank the Chief Executive, VicRoads for permission to publish this
paper. The views of this paper are those of the author and do not necessarily represent
those of VicRoads.

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