Which action best matches water curing?

Which action best matches water curing?

• A. Keeping the surface wet by ponding, spraying, or covering with wet burlap
• B. Applying a dry cement powder to the surface
• C. Heating the surface to accelerate set
• D. Painting the surface with enamel

Answer: (A)

Water curing means keeping the concrete surface and surrounding concrete moist so hydration can continue after placement. This is best achieved by ponding water, spraying, or covering with a wet, permeable material like burlap. Maintaining moisture during the early curing period improves eventual strength, reduces drying shrinkage and cracking, and lowers permeability. The other options don’t provide ongoing moisture: a dry cement powder adds material but not moisture, heating speeds drying and can cause cracks, and painting with enamel is just a coating, not curing.

Water curing means keeping the concrete surface and surrounding concrete moist so hydration can continue after placement. This is best achieved by ponding water, spraying, or covering with a wet, permeable material like burlap. Maintaining moisture during the early curing period improves eventual strength, reduces drying shrinkage and cracking, and lowers permeability. The other options don’t provide ongoing moisture: a dry cement powder adds material but not moisture, heating speeds drying and can cause cracks, and painting with enamel is just a coating, not curing.