On Aug 6, 8:09*am, Reno wrote:
ls02 wrote in news:88e4452b-c03f-4196-b5f1-
:

How much and how often do I need to sprinkle with water newly poured
concrete patio and footings? I am in NJ and temperature is over 90
degrees, humidity is almost 100%. Anything else I need to do to ensure
proper curing of concrete?

Concrete reaches over 90% of it's max strength in about 7 days. It takes 28
days to reach full max strength. Since the 90% value is most likely good
enough (most designs have a safety factor) the 7 day period is often used
as time frame to keep it wet and to protect it from high loads. Actually
damp is as good or better than wet, especially for the first few hours,
because you only need to prevent the drying action. As another poster said
- cover with plastic sheets to keep it wet as it would dry in a few hours
if uncovered.

Spraying it with curing compound helps a lot. It doesn't eliminate the need
to keep the surface damp but it helps a lot with surface hardness which can
avoid spauling. If its more than a few hours old it is too late to get much
benefit from curing compound so don't bother then.

Rather guess or spread misinformation.......

PCA - Portland Cement Association is a great source of accurate
information

http://www.cement.org/basics/concretebasics_faqs.asp

U of Texas - Austin has done a great deal of research on concrete

Texas DOT research developed a "maturity measure". Time and temperature are the two parameters which effect the maturity of the concrete. Concrete that experiences elevated temperatures has a maturity (cure / strength) equal to concrete with longer cure at 70 F. Thus, "normal 28 day strength" may be achieved much sooner at higher temperatures.

fyi

1) 28 days is not maximum strength merely a commonly agreed upon point
in time to test concrete strength (as are 3 day & 7 day tests)
2) most concrete mix designs under "normal curing conditions" are not
a 90% max strength in 7 days........ more like 75% of 28 day strength

Once concrete is surfaced cured sufficiently to avoid spray damage,
keep it wet (don't let surface dry out) for a few days or ideally
several days (longer is better).
Cover with plastic, burlap, carpet or spray on curing compounds.
Wetter is better as is longer.

Water applied to surface or cure compounds are to ensure that
sufficient water is present in the curing concrete to allow for
complete hydration of the cement reaction.

Applied water replaces water lost to evap, soil or forms. Compounds
are supposed to keep evap down.

cheers
Bob