#Concrete Structures

[arc-hus]

STV Building, Concepcion, Chile - Cristián Berríos

[miamaimania]

Urban Canopy ~ Hong Kong by Christophe Caudroy ⌘ Elevated highways float above surviving woodland

[nickstanley]

Glovebox - New cast in place concrete structure replaces the existing heavy timber construction in this renovated warehouse.

[z428]

The silent places.

#lost in moments #outerworld #sassnitz #ruegen #concrete structures

[motherfuckingcat]

[gubbicivilengineering]

Gubbi Civil Engineers offers advanced anti-carbonation coating services to protect concrete structures from carbonation-induced damage. Specializing in corrosion protection, waterproofing, and building maintenance, their team uses high-quality materials and cutting-edge techniques for long-lasting results. This protective coating prevents carbonation, enhancing the durability and lifespan of structures in residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. Gubbi Civil Engineers ensure superior safety, making them a trusted partner for effective, sustainable building protection solutions across India.

[sheltiechicago]

Contrasting Forms

A quick google image search for “brutalist buildings” will bring up some impressive feats of architecture – from the Geisel Library in San Diego to the National Theatre in London. We see monolithic concrete structures that block out the sky. From this, however, it’s easy to see why this style is often viewed as austere and cold. We’re used to seeing photographs where they are imposing structures that dominate the frame. There are no people and only occasionally a tree branch swoops into the shot. However, these scenes do not reflect the ways in which these buildings are filled with life. Curator Olivia Broome shows us this verdant reality in her new photo book Brutalist Plants.

[firstchoicereadymix]

Importance of Curing Concrete

Proper curing of concrete is essential for developing its desired properties, particularly compressive strength. At First Choice Ready Mix, we adhere to stringent standards to ensure adequate curing time, achieving optimal results. Concrete that is properly cured continues to hydrate and gain strength, which is crucial for the longevity and durability of any structure. If curing is not properly done, the concrete may fail to achieve its intended strength, leading to potential structural weaknesses.

Curing also plays a significant role in managing the heat of hydration, an exothermic process that occurs when water and cement mix. At First Choice Ready Mix, we control the heat of hydration to prevent thermal cracking during the initial stages of curing. Proper curing involves controlling temperature increases and maintaining an appropriate water-cement ratio, which helps ensure the concrete's resistance and prevents the risks of thermal cracking. Inadequate curing can lead to improper hydration of the cement, resulting in reduced strength gain and increased risk of shrinkage cracks.

Preventing the evaporation of water from the concrete surface is crucial for ensuring adequate curing. At First Choice Ready Mix, we allocate significant time for curing, allowing the surface to retain adequate moisture within the concrete. This prevents rapid evaporation of water, enabling the surface to continue the hydration process uniformly. Proper curing is essential for high-strength concrete mixes, as it helps prevent drying shrinkage and cracking. Conversely, inappropriate curing can lead to rapid water evaporation and structural weaknesses.

Modern construction requires durable concrete with low porosity, achieved through adequate curing. Proper curing increases the durability of concrete by reducing its permeability, preventing seepage and efflorescence. Conversely, improper curing can decrease the concrete's durability by increasing its porosity, leading to reduced permeability and potential structural issues.

Methods of Concrete Curing

Water Ponding

Water ponding is an effective method for ensuring complete curing of concrete. It involves covering the concrete surface with water to keep it continuously wet, maintaining adequate moisture content. This method is particularly suitable for flat surfaces such as slabs. However, it requires consistent water supply and can be labor-intensive.

Gunny Bags

Gunny bags, also known as burlap, are commonly used to cover the concrete surface, keeping it continuously wet. This method is cost-effective and suitable for vertical surfaces and columns. Gunny bags help retain moisture, keeping the concrete fully hydrated and preventing shrinkage or cracking.

Curing Compounds

Curing compounds are chemical substances that form a moisture-retaining film on the concrete surface. They prevent water leakage and promote hydration, making them suitable for large areas where water curing methods may be impractical. At First Choice Ready Mix, we recommend curing compounds for large-scale projects to ensure adequate surface treatment.

Plastic Sheeting

Covering the concrete surface with plastic sheeting is another effective curing method. It helps maintain moisture within the surface, especially in high evaporation rates. Plastic sheeting is beneficial for maintaining hydration and preventing rapid water loss.

Steam Curing

Steam curing accelerates the hydration process, increasing the strength of concrete structures. Controlled and efficient use of steam can yield significant results in large-scale production. This method is particularly useful for projects requiring rapid strength gain.

Conclusion

Curing is a critical process in concrete construction, essential for achieving strong, durable structures. For projects requiring high-strength concrete mixes, partnering with a reliable ready mix concrete supplier like First Choice Ready Mix can make a significant difference. Our expertise and commitment to quality ensure the durability and longevity of your concrete structures.

[shreetmtbars]

Learn everything you need to know about shuttering in construction, including its various types and significance. Discover how shuttering plays a crucial role in shaping and supporting concrete structures during the construction process. Enhance your construction knowledge with insights from ShreeTMT.

[zegalba]

Budapest's Gellért Hill's Huge Water Reservoir. One of the most spectacular and popular facilities of the Budapest Waterworks, the vast space contains 106 columns.

[arc-hus]

Iporanga House, Guarujá, Brazil - David Bastos

[germanpostwarmodern]

Cubicus Building of Twente University (1969-73) in Enschede, the Netherlands, by Leo Heijdenrijk & Jos Mol. Photo from August 2024.

[bsptourist]

gm_palace_of_peace

created by Tryptophyl

[remash]

nordic pavillion ~ sverre fehn | images © åke e:son lindman

[juliaknz]

RSHP ARCHITECTS BBVA MÈXICO TOWER Mexico City, Mexico Image © RSHP

[kobikiyama]

Okinawa Prefectural and Art Museum

Ishimoto and Niki Associates