Thermometers need no introduction, as they are popular instruments for measuring temperature. If temperature plays a crucial role in a system, you’ll need a thermometer to monitor temperatures to ensure it is within an acceptable range. Temperature plays an important thermometers in the curing of concrete. When you pour fresh concrete, you must cure it at a particular temperature range, or else the concrete structure will lose strength and be less durable. Thermometers allow you to monitor the concrete’s temperature to ensure it’s within the acceptable range. This article will throw more light on the role of thermometers in concrete curing. We’ll examine how temperature affects concrete curing, why you should monitor temperatures when curing concrete, and how to control concrete temperature during the curing process.
Understanding the Role of Thermometers in Concrete Curing
Concrete curing is the process of maintaining adequate moisture and temperature in concrete for enough time to allow the hydration reaction to produce the desired concrete properties, like strength and durability.
The key aspects of concrete curing are moisture, temperature, and time.
Water makes concrete harden through a process called hydration. Hydration is a chemical reaction where the water molecules form chemical bonds with the major compounds in cement and biome hydrates.
These hydrates then interlock to give the concrete its strength.
Therefore, concrete needs a constant supply of moisture to continue the hydration reaction that helps it harden. Curing prevents the concrete from drying out too quickly and not hydrating properly, which can lead to weak concrete structures.
Also read: Concrete testing in construction: 10 Must-Have Tools.
How Does Temperature Affect the Concrete Curing Process?
The role of thermometers in concrete curing in the heating process by affecting the rate of hydration. Higher temperatures accelerate the hydration process, while lower temperatures slow it down.
By affecting the hydration process that makes concrete harden, temperature affects strength development and the overall quality of the concrete.
Hot Weather Concreting
Hot weather speeds up the hydration process, making concrete set quicker. This leads to short-term gains, like early strength.
However, you should be careful so the concrete does not dry out too quickly, as that causes cracking and weak concrete structures.
Cold Weather Concreting
According to the American Concrete Institute, cold weather concreting conditions occur when the air temperature falls below 4OC (40OF).
Cold weather significantly slows down the hydration process. When the concrete temperature drops to freezing, water within concrete capillaries freezes and expands, causing damage. In fact, concrete loses 50% of its strength if it freezes before reaching 500 psi.
Another effect of cold weather concreting is excessive temperature differentials.
The hydration reaction that causes concrete to harden is exothermic, meaning it releases energy to its surroundings in the form of heat. So, as concrete sets, it generates heat. The heat cannot escape quickly; therefore, the core heats up continually.
However, in cold weather, the concrete’s surface is rapidly cooled by exposure to the low temperature. This leads to a large temperature difference between the inner core of the concrete and its surface.
The large temperature differential can cause thermal cracks, leading to:
- Increased permeability for easy water penetration.
- Reduced durability and structural integrity.
Large elements or mass concrete are more prone to thermal cracking from large temperature differentials between the concrete surface and core.
Note: You can visit certified material testing products.
What is the Ideal Temperature for Concrete Curing?
For optimum strength and durability, keep concrete temperature over 10OC (50OF) when curing. Maintain uniform temperatures above 10OC (50OF) but not exceeding 30OC (85OF).
Thus, the ideal temperature for curing concrete is 10OC to 30OC (50OF to 85OF). This temperature range provides proper hydration while avoiding excessive temperature-related issues.
