Curing vs. Drying Concrete
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>Curing vs. Drying Concrete
The Difference Between Curing and Drying
The terms curing and drying are frequently used interchangeably
with regard to the moisture condition of new concrete slabs. To
clarify these terms the following definitions may be useful.
 Curing:
Curing of concrete is defined as providing adequate moisture, temperature
and time to allow the concrete to achieve the desired properties
for its intended use. This would mean maintaining a relative humidity
in the concrete of greater than 80%, a temperature greater than
10°C (50°F), and for a time typically ranging from three
to fourteen days depending on the specific application. When these
recommendations are properly specified and performed in the field
the final properties of the concrete mixture will be achieved.
 Drying:
Drying of concrete is defined as providing the proper conditions to
allow the concrete to achieve a moisture condition appropriate for
its intended use. The moisture condition of a concrete slab is of
significant importance for the application of moisture sensitive floor
finishes (vct tile, linoleum, wood flooring, and non-breathable coating
such as epoxy). The moisture condition is specified as a maximum relative
humidity by percent (%) or a vapor transmission rate in µg/sec•m2
(lb/1000 ft2/24 hr.). A typical value specified for relative
humidity may be less than 75% to 80% to assure the successful application
of the flooring materials, while a commonly specified value for vapor
transmission rate may be 170 µg/sec•m2 (3 lb/1000
ft2/24 hr).
References:
Kosmatka, Steven H., Kerkhoff, Beatrix, Panarese, William C., Design
and Control of Concrete Mixtures, 14th Edition, 2002 (revised
2008), 372 pg.
Kanare, Howard M., Concrete
Floors and Moisture, 2nd Edition, 2008, 172 pg.
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