What is membrane curing of concrete?

Membrane curing of concrete. In some places where there is an acute shortage of water, water curing may not be possible for reasons of economy. We know that curing of concrete is done, as water added in the concrete gets evaporated after being placed. If water curing is not possible, covering with a membrane will effectively seal off the evaporation of water from concrete. However, a small amount of water is sprayed before covering with the membrane. There are a large number of sealing compounds developed in recent years. Some of the common materials used are bituminous compounds, polyethylene or polyester film, waterproof paper, rubber compounds, etc.. Initially, the bituminous compound was being used for this purpose as bituminous compound is black in color, it absorbs heat from the concrete when converted to the top surface of the concrete. This results in the increase of temperature in the body of concrete, which is undesirable. Thus are the modified materials, which are not black in color, came in use. However, bituminous compound coated with lime is being used as limewash prevents heat absorption. To obtain the best results, a small amount of water is sprayed before covering with the membrane, normally 2 or 3 coats may be required for effective sealing of the surface to prevent the evaporation of water. The reason for large use of membrane curing is due to increase in volume of construction, shortage of water, need for conservation of water, increase in cost of labor and availability of effective curing compounds. Membrane curing is commonly preferred for curing canal lining, sloping roofs and textured surface of concrete pavements. In case of waterproofing, paper or polyethylene film are used as the membrane, sufficient care must be taken to see there is no puncture. In membrane curing, it should be checked that whether adequate lapping is given at the junction and these labs are effectively sealed.

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