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Curing in Concrete: Essential for Strong and Durable RMC

  • 12th Mar 2025

In construction, strength isn’t just about what you build—it’s about how well you build it. And when it comes to using Ready-Mix Concrete (RMC), one of the most important steps to ensure long-lasting durability is curing. It’s the process that helps concrete reach its full potential in strength, resilience, and performance.

Let’s explore why curing in concrete matters, especially in the context of RMC, and how it impacts everything from quality to lifespan.

Introduction to Concrete Curing

Concrete curing is the process of maintaining adequate moisture, temperature, and time conditions to allow concrete to properly harden and gain strength. Without it, even the best concrete mix can underperform.

Proper curing isn’t just a technical detail—it’s a must. It protects the concrete from premature drying, cracking, and surface weaknesses. Especially with ready mix concrete, where concrete is delivered fresh and often placed under tight schedules, curing ensures the material performs as intended.

What Is Ready-Mix Concrete (RMC)?

Ready-Mix Concrete (RMC) is concrete that is batched at a central plant and delivered to construction sites via transit mixers. It’s designed for precision, speed, and consistency, making it a popular choice for everything from residential slabs to commercial buildings and infrastructure.

Because it’s pre-mixed under controlled conditions, RMC reduces human error on site—but it still requires proper handling, especially during curing, to achieve optimal results.

Why Is Curing Crucial in Ready-Mix Concrete?

RMC often arrives at the site ready to pour—but that’s just the beginning. Once placed, it starts its hydration process. This is where curing steps in.

Without proper curing:

  • Surface cracks can develop.
  • Strength gain slows down.
  • Durability reduces due to moisture loss.

Whether it’s poured foundations, columns, or slabs, failing to cure RMC properly can result in weaker structures, higher repair costs, and safety risks.

How Curing Affects the Strength and Durability of RMC

Curing is directly linked to compressive strength, which is a key metric in concrete performance. When concrete loses water too quickly—due to heat, wind, or improper timing—it fails to hydrate fully.

Effects include:

  • Lower compressive strength
  • Increased shrinkage and cracking
  • Greater susceptibility to environmental damage

On the flip side, when concrete is cured consistently, it becomes denser, more durable, and longer-lasting—especially crucial for exposed or high-load areas.

Common Curing Methods for RMC

There’s no one-size-fits-all. Depending on the site, climate, and concrete type, curing methods may vary:

  1. Water Curing – Continuously spraying or ponding water over the surface.
  2. Wet Covering – Using hessian cloths or mats soaked in water to retain surface moisture.
  3. Plastic Sheeting – Covers the concrete to prevent moisture loss.
  4. Curing Compounds – Spray-applied chemicals that form a moisture-retaining film.
  5. Steam Curing (for precast) – Increases the curing rate under controlled humidity and temperature.

Each method comes with its own advantages, and a combination is often used for optimal results.

Best Curing Practices at Construction Sites

Even the best curing methods can fall short without the right execution. Here’s how to make sure your RMC performs:

  • Start curing early – within 30 minutes to 2 hours after finishing.
  • Keep the surface moist for at least 7 days (or as recommended).
  • Avoid direct sunlight and wind on fresh concrete.
  • Use temperature control during extreme weather to avoid shrinkage cracks.

Site teams must be trained and equipped to monitor curing and maintain consistency, especially on large or fast-paced projects.

Curing Challenges in RMC and How to Overcome Them

Despite best efforts, RMC curing presents some unique challenges:

  • Hot weather leads to quick moisture loss.
  • Delayed placement due to traffic or distance can affect hydration.
  • Improper surface finishing traps air or causes uneven curing.

How to manage it:

  • Use admixtures to improve workability and setting time.
  • Ensure continuous drum rotation during transport.
  • Use mobile curing setups (sprayers or water tanks) on large sites.
  • Plan logistics to minimize pour-to-cure delays.

How Kesar Infra Ensures Optimal Curing in RMC Supply

At Kesar Infra, we know that strength starts with the right process—and curing is central to that.

Here’s how we ensure your concrete stays fully cured and free from segregation :

  • Precision batching: Each mix is formulated with the right water-cement ratio.
  • Admixture control: Helps reduce early water loss and ensures better curing results.
  • Timely delivery: Our fleet is coordinated to ensure RMC reaches you when you need it.
  • Technical assistance: Our engineers guide site teams on best curing practices.
  • Quality monitoring: Every batch is tested and tracked for consistency.

Whether it's a small residential project or a large infrastructure build, Kesar Infra delivers RMC that’s strong, consistent, and built to last.

Conclusion

Concrete may be strong by design, but curing is what makes it last. It’s not just a technical step—it’s a commitment to quality and safety. Especially in ready-mix concrete, where every batch counts, proper curing is the difference between an average job and a structure that stands the test of time.

Looking for high-quality RMC with expert support? Contact Kesar Infra for reliable, durable, and professionally handled ready mix concrete.