Good consolidation (left) is needed to achieve a dense and durable concrete. Why cure concrete? Curing serves two main Poor consolidation (right can result in early corrosion of purposes: reinforcing steel and low compressive strength. it retains t i moisture i t iin th the slab l b so th thatt th the concrete t continues to gain strength
it delays drying shrinkage until the concrete is strong
enough to resist shrinkage cracking
Types of Portland Cement Aggregates
There are five basic types of Portland cement in use today: Coarse aggregates are larger than 3/8 inch in diameter
Type I General purpose
Fine aggregate (sand) is made up of particles which are Type yp II Sulfate resisting, g, concrete in contact with high g ssmaller a e than a 3/8 ” in d diameter a ee sulfate soils Type III High early strength, which gains strength faster The quality of aggregates is very important since they than Type I, Enabling forms to be removed make up about 60 to 75% of the volume of the concrete sooner Type IV Low heat of hydration, for use in massive Normal and lightweight concrete construction Type V Severe sulfate resisting