water floating on curing concrete
#1
03-26-14, 08:06 AM
water floating on curing concrete
I am repairing a small area of concrete in my basement with about 40 - 80 pound bags of the high strength already premixed that you find in HD, it costs $3.80 a bag.
I am putting a plastic sheet on top of the dirt for a little moisture protection and the problem I am having is that the water sits on top of the finished curing concrete.
I know I am not mixing too much water, is there a trick to getting rid of the water on top of the curing concrete? All comments are appreciated.
I am putting a plastic sheet on top of the dirt for a little moisture protection and the problem I am having is that the water sits on top of the finished curing concrete.
I know I am not mixing too much water, is there a trick to getting rid of the water on top of the curing concrete? All comments are appreciated.
#2
03-26-14, 08:59 AM
Member
What you're seeing is called bleed water. It's excess water in the mix, above the amount needed for hydration of Portland cement particles, that works its way to the surface. Probably more prominent because of it being an interior pour, having no sun or wind to hasten surface evaporation. Along with the plastic you placed on the ground under the concrete, which prevents any moisture from wicking out the bottom of the placement.
Try batching with less mix water to help minimize the bleeding. Setting up and running a large fan or two can also help, as doing so tends to cause the bleed water to evaporate faster.
Try batching with less mix water to help minimize the bleeding. Setting up and running a large fan or two can also help, as doing so tends to cause the bleed water to evaporate faster.
