Why curing is performed on fresh concrete?

Importance of Curing Curing is the process of controlling the rate and extent of moisture loss from concrete to ensure an uninterrupted hydration of Portland cement after concrete has been placed and finished in its final position. Curing also ensures to maintain an adequate temperature of concrete in its early ages, as this directly affects the rate of hydration of cement and eventually the strength gain of concrete or mortars.

1) to retain the water in concrete which is essential for hydration.

2) to avoid the surface cracks due to shrinkage of concrete, concrete shrink due to loss of water

3) curing is not only applicable for fresh concrete, moist curing shall continue minimum for  7/10 days (depending on type of cement used) or until the concrete achieve 70% of characteristics strength, whichever is more 

Curing is defined of processes to retain the amount of moisture in concrete which immediately should be done after concrete pouring. These actions in regions prone to direct glow of sun or wind are very important because after concrete pouring some part of water will arrive to the surface and sums there. If curing would not be done properly the amount of W/C in concrete would be decreased which affects the quality of concrete.

Curing is done to ensure that the concrete will reach its intended properties.  Basically so that the chemical reaction takes place.  It is not to be confused with drying, which comes after, to ensure the concrete reaches its intended moisture content.

Generally, you have to cure the concrete after 6 hrs from casting up to minimum one week, there is no use of curing hardened concrete.

Curing concrete is for;

1- Compensate the moisture loss of the mix, hence, keeping the hydration process

2- Controlling the surface temperature in order to prevent plastic shrinkage cracks