Why do we spray water on new concrete???

Curing has been traditionally considered to be a single-step process & conducted some time after the concrete has been placed & finished. Where as Adequate control of moisture can require that several different procedures be initiated in sequence, culminating in a last step that is defined herein as final curing.

Initial curing: This refers to the procedures implemented anytime between the placement & final finishing of concrete to reduce the moisture loss from surface. Examples of initial curing measures include fogging & the use of evaporation reducers.

Intermediate curing : This is sometimes necessary & refers to the procedures implemented when the finishing is completed, but before the concrete has reached the final set. During this period, evaporation may need to be reduced, but the concrete may not yet be able to tolerate direct application of the water or the mechanical damage resulting from the application of fabric or the plastic coverings. Spray-applied, liquid membrane-forming curing compounds can be used effectively to reduce the evaporation until a more substantial curing method can be implemented, if required.

Final curing: This refers to the procedures implemented after the final finishing and after the concrete has reached final set. Examples of the final curing measures includes the application of wet coverings such as saturated burlap, ponding, or the use of spray-applied, liquid membrane-forming curing compounds