What are common methods of curing the concrete?

There are six methods of curing the concrete which is described below: -

• Shading: This method protects the concrete surface by locking the evaporation of water. It protects the surface from wind and heat. In cold conditions, it also prevents the surface from freezing.
• Using wet gunny bags or paper: To avoid water loss, wet gunny bags are used to cover the concrete surface.
• Sprinkling water: Water is sprinkled over the concrete surface with the help of a nozzle. In comparison with the above, this method is not very effective because it is really hard to keep the concrete moist all the time.
• Ponding:This method is very effective and it is used for curing the floors, pavements and slabs. This method occurs in three steps. Firstly, the concrete surface is covered with a moist wrapper for a day. After that, wrappers are removed and clay puddles are constructed around the area. At last, water is filled.
• Membrane curing: In this method, the concrete surface is covered with material like waterproof membranes, bitumen emulsion, rubber latex emulsion, water repellent, plastic films, wax etc. Covering these materials protects the surface from dehydration.
• Steam curing: Steam curing is the method in which the temperature of the concrete is increased in wet condition. Concrete can achieve its strength in a very short time and thus the process of curing can be finished earlier.