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Posted by Lemming on July 29, 2006, 1:13 am
How does cement REALLY work?
I know it involves a complex chemical reaction in which water plays an
important role.
However, it seems to be a common misconception that setting cement is a
lot like baking a cake or making paper mache, with the assumption that
water is an unwanted ingredient that has to be dried out.
So I've seen all kinds of wacky bahaviour among DIYers who want to
"accelerate" the "cement drying" process, such as using heaters or
fans, or pouring cement on really hot days. Perhaps someone could
clarify, or point me to an authoritative explanation?
Regards,
Lemming.
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Posted by DanG on July 29, 2006, 7:38 am
Everything you always wanted to know at the portland cement
association:
http://www.cement.org/tech/
Scroll on the left to "cement basics" and knock your lights out.
______________________________
Keep the whole world singing . . . .
DanG (remove the sevens)
dgriff237@7cox.net
> How does cement REALLY work?
>
> I know it involves a complex chemical reaction in which water
> plays an
> important role.
>
> However, it seems to be a common misconception that setting
> cement is a
> lot like baking a cake or making paper mache, with the
> assumption that
> water is an unwanted ingredient that has to be dried out.
>
> So I've seen all kinds of wacky bahaviour among DIYers who want
> to
> "accelerate" the "cement drying" process, such as using heaters
> or
> fans, or pouring cement on really hot days. Perhaps someone
> could
> clarify, or point me to an authoritative explanation?
>
> Regards,
> Lemming.
>
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Posted by Jim K. on July 29, 2006, 12:57 pm
I agree; there is much confusion out there.
First of all, "cement" is the glue that holds everthing together. "Concrete"
is the product which is composed of cement, water and aggregate (small and
large) plus admixtures. .
Concrete needs water or moisture to gain strength over a specified period of
time, normally 28 days. This process is called "curing". Then once it
reaches its specified strength it can be dried out.
There are various ways to cure concrete: keeping it wet, wetting it and
covering with visqueen, curing compound, leaving formwork on, etc.
Even though curing may take place over 28 days, you only have to keep it
moist for part of that period. ACI says 5 days at 70 degrees F, or 7dats at
50 degrees F.
There are special precautions that need to be taken during hot weather, cold
weather or hot and windy days. Protect the concrete from freezing.
Bleed water should be removed with a hose rather than worked back into the
concrete. Do not use calcium choloride in structural slabs or concrete with
reinforcing.
I hope this helps!
> How does cement REALLY work?
>
> I know it involves a complex chemical reaction in which water plays an
> important role.
>
> However, it seems to be a common misconception that setting cement is a
> lot like baking a cake or making paper mache, with the assumption that
> water is an unwanted ingredient that has to be dried out.
>
> So I've seen all kinds of wacky bahaviour among DIYers who want to
> "accelerate" the "cement drying" process, such as using heaters or
> fans, or pouring cement on really hot days. Perhaps someone could
> clarify, or point me to an authoritative explanation?
>
> Regards,
> Lemming.
>
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Posted by Jonny on July 30, 2006, 12:31 am
Sub-freezing temperture lend to poor curing of concrete, mortar, and similar
based mixtures. Just a fact of life.
If the air temperature is too hot and not appreciably humid, the surface
will dry too quickly for effecting a proper surface with a trowel of any
kind.
"Cement" is a generic term. Pardon me if I did not interpret its meaning
correctly. I would be interested in exactly what you mean by "cement".
--
Jonny
> How does cement REALLY work?
>
> I know it involves a complex chemical reaction in which water plays an
> important role.
>
> However, it seems to be a common misconception that setting cement is a
> lot like baking a cake or making paper mache, with the assumption that
> water is an unwanted ingredient that has to be dried out.
>
> So I've seen all kinds of wacky bahaviour among DIYers who want to
> "accelerate" the "cement drying" process, such as using heaters or
> fans, or pouring cement on really hot days. Perhaps someone could
> clarify, or point me to an authoritative explanation?
>
> Regards,
> Lemming.
>
|
|
Posted by Mike on July 30, 2006, 11:34 am
> Sub-freezing temperture lend to poor curing of concrete, mortar, and
> similar based mixtures. Just a fact of life.
>
> If the air temperature is too hot and not appreciably humid, the surface
> will dry too quickly for effecting a proper surface with a trowel of any
> kind.
>
> "Cement" is a generic term. Pardon me if I did not interpret its meaning
> correctly. I would be interested in exactly what you mean by "cement".
You know exactly what he is asking about, concrete.
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