Curing and curing compounds

The influence of curing on the properties of concrete is considered. Comparisons are made between the effectiveness of traditional methods of moist curing and different kinds of curing compounds. There are four main groups of curing compounds: wax emulsions, chlorinated rubber based compounds, resins and pvas. The properties, methods of application, comparative costs and effectiveness of the four groups are examined. Laboratory tests have shown that curing compounds are not as effective in the promotion of strength development of concrete as the traditional methods of moist curing. Nevertheless for practical and economic reasons, curing compounds are widely used in the building industry. Information is also given on the testing of curing compounds (a).