Significance and Use

The moisture retaining ability of a product as determined by this test method is used to assess the suitability of materials for contributing to an appropriate curing environment for concrete. The laboratory test method is used both in formulating and in specifying or qualifying curing products. This test method gives the user a measure of the ability of tested curing materials to impede the escape of moisture from a hydraulic cement mortar. Since it is desirable to retain moisture in fresh concrete to promote the hydration process, failure of the product to minimize the escape of moisture may lead to loss of strength, cracking, shrinkage, or low abrasion resistance of the hardened concrete, or a combination thereof.

Many factors affect the laboratory test results. Test results obtained may be highly variable as indicated by the precision statement. Critical factors include the precision of the control of the temperature, humidity and air circulation in the curing cabinet, preparation and sealing of the mortar specimens, the age and surface condition of the mortar specimen when the curing product is applied, and the uniformity and quantity of application of the curing membrane.

1. Scope

1.1 This test method covers laboratory determination of the efficiency of liquid membrane-forming compounds for curing concrete, as measured by their ability to reduce moisture loss from mortar specimens during the early hardening period.

1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to inch-pound units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. ( Warning Fresh hydraulic cementitious mixtures are caustic and may cause chemical burns to skin and tissue upon prolonged exposure.)

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

C87 Test Method for Effect of Organic Impurities in Fine Aggregate on Strength of Mortar

C150 Specification for Portland Cement

C230/C230M Specification for Flow Table for Use in Tests of Hydraulic Cement

C305 Practice for Mechanical Mixing of Hydraulic Cement Pastes and Mortars of Plastic Consistency

C778 Specification for Sand

D1475 Test Method For Density of Liquid Coatings, Inks, and Related Products

D1653 Test Methods for Water Vapor Transmission of Organic Coating Films

D2369 Test Method for Volatile Content of Coatings

E178 Practice for Dealing With Outlying Observations

Keywords

concrete curing materials; liquid membrane-forming curing compounds; moisture retention by concrete curing materials; Water retention; Compound (curing); Curing (of concrete); Film; Liquid membrane-forming compounds; Sheet and film;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 91.100.30 (Concrete and concrete products)

DOI: 10.1520/C0156-11

ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.

ASTM C156