Maintaining appropriate moisture levels is super important during the settling of concrete. If the concrete dries out, it might compromise the strength of the structure. To avoid this, we use ponding curing. This involves creating a reservoir or pond of water around freshly poured concrete to prevent it from drying up. This method is cost-effective and does not require much effort to be implemented but goes a long way in ensuring the strength and scaling resistance of the concrete. Read on to know more about this method.
See also: What is concrete curing?
Functions of ponding curing
So what does ponding curing exactly do? Here is a list of functions it performs:
Maintaining moisture levels
Creating a small pool of water around freshly poured concrete locks in the moisture in the concrete. It prevents evaporation and makes sure that the concrete does not dry out.
Temperature control
Maintaining proper temperature levels is important to ensure that the concrete cures well and attains the desired strength and durability. Ponding curing also helps in this process of temperature regulation.
Avoiding cracking
Freshly poured concrete, when moist, is most vulnerable to cracking. This menace can only be avoided by maintaining proper moisture and temperature levels throughout the curing process, which is done by ponding curing.
Strength enhancement
Ponding curing gives the concrete the suitable conditions to cure properly and develop the properties desired in the concrete such as resistance to wear and harsh environmental conditions.
Uniform curing process
Ponding ensures the consistency of the conditions provided to the concrete when it is drying. This ensures that the finished concrete attains a uniform strength and characteristics across the surface.
Read also: What is bleeding of concrete? What are its causes and effects?
Steps involved in ponding curing
Ponding curing is a process that follows a systematic method. Here’s how it is carried out:
Surface preparation
After placing the concrete on the surface that would hold the water, clean it of any debris. Don’t forget to ensure that the concrete is not so moist as to get damaged by the water.
Create the ponding area
Place barriers on the surface where the concrete has been poured around the perimeter of the slab to hold the water. These boundaries are generally made using sandbags or pieces of wood.
Fill the ponding area
Fill the enclosed area by pouring the water slowly. Make sure that the slab is completely submerged and the water level is about 1 – 2 inches higher than the slab. The water should be filled uniformly without overflow at any place.
Monitoring and maintenance
It is important to keep a check on the pond to ensure that the water level remains constant. The loss of water due to evaporation must be compensated immediately by refilling.
Removal and finishing
Once the curing period is over, the water should be carefully removed without causing any damage. The concrete then should be left to air dry for it to obtain the desired strength.
Things to keep in mind during the process
The curing period of concrete is a delicate phase and should be approached with utmost care. Here are some important precautions to take during the ponding curing process:
Proper enclosure
The boundaries made around the concrete slab to hold the water should not have any leaks. Seeping out of water would result in a drastic reduction of water levels and will render the curing process ineffective.
Avoiding disturbance
Causing any disruption to the concrete while setting up the pond or at any point of time during the curing process might have adverse effects on the final results.
Regular monitoring
The water level of the pond should be monitored at regular intervals and any changes caused due to evaporation or leaks should be promptly addressed by refilling or fixing.
Temperature maintenance
Temperature and climatic excesses are not good for the curing process. In hot weather, it is crucial to prevent excessive and fast evaporation by proper shading and temperature control. Extreme cold can cause the water to freeze, thereby defeating the purpose of the ponding process.
Gradual filling
The water must be poured into the pond gradually and gently without harming the concrete. Forceful and sudden pouring of water might cause the surface of the concrete to erode or even deeper levels of displacement.
Careful removal
While pouring, it is crucial to be gentle while removing the water as well. Sudden draining of the water might cause undue pressure on the concrete and affect its surface.
FAQs
What is ponding curing?
Ponding curing is a method used in construction involving the placement of freshly poured concrete in a pool of water for moisture retention and proper hydration during the curing process.
Why is ponding curing necessary?
Ponding curing prevents excessive loss of moisture from the surface of the concrete and makes it more durable by strengthening its properties in the long run.
How long does ponding curing take?
The duration of ponding curing can range from a few days to several weeks depending on the concrete mix design and environmental factors.
What type of weather is ideal for ponding curing?
Moderate weather conditions are best suited for ponding curing. In case of extreme heat or cold, it is important to control the temperature for maximum efficacy.
Does ponding curing require special equipment?
A pond for the curing process can be easily set up using materials available on the construction site. However, special materials might be required for shading and the curing process in general.
What are some alternatives to ponding curing?
Other methods of curing concrete include fogging, spraying and using specialised curing compounds.
Can ponding curing eliminate cracking?
Ponding curing substantially reduces the chances of cracking in the concrete but cannot eliminate the cracking caused by factors such as mix design or human errors.
(Featured image source: Instagram @polishedconcreteco)
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