A drying period following curing increases resistance to damage caused by freezing and thawing. True or False?

A drying period following curing increases resistance to damage caused by freezing and thawing. True or False?

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not sure
• D. Both

Answer: (A)

Water trapped in concrete pores is what drives damage during freezing and thawing—when it freezes, it expands and creates internal pressures that crack and spall the material. After curing, giving the concrete a drying period lowers its moisture content, so there is less water available to freeze. With less freezable water in the pore structure, the internal pressures from any freezing cycles are smaller, so the concrete is more resistant to freeze-thaw damage. That’s why the statement is true. Keep in mind that drying should be controlled, since drying too quickly can lead to shrinkage cracks and other issues.

Water trapped in concrete pores is what drives damage during freezing and thawing—when it freezes, it expands and creates internal pressures that crack and spall the material. After curing, giving the concrete a drying period lowers its moisture content, so there is less water available to freeze. With less freezable water in the pore structure, the internal pressures from any freezing cycles are smaller, so the concrete is more resistant to freeze-thaw damage. That’s why the statement is true. Keep in mind that drying should be controlled, since drying too quickly can lead to shrinkage cracks and other issues.