Plan curing schedules using temperature-adjusted maturity estimates. Include humidity, mix ratio, thickness, and curing method for safer construction decisions.
Enter conditions, then export results for records.
| Temperature (°C) | Humidity (%) | w/c | Curing | Target (%) | Estimated days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 70 | 0.50 | Wet | 70 | ≈ 10.5 |
| 20 | 80 | 0.45 | Wet | 70 | ≈ 6.5 |
| 30 | 60 | 0.45 | Membrane | 70 | ≈ 5.8 |
| 25 | 85 | 0.40 | Wet | 90 | ≈ 9.0 |
Examples are illustrative. Field conditions and specifications can change outcomes.
This calculator estimates the time to reach a selected fraction of 28‑day strength using two steps: an equivalent-age temperature adjustment and a strength-growth curve.
Use this estimate for planning. Always follow your mix design, specifications, and test results.
Concrete does not “dry”; it gains strength through hydration. Planning relies on when the slab or member can be finished, stripped, loaded, or opened to traffic. Typical reference points are 1 day for early finishing, 3–7 days for many formwork operations, and 28 days for standard design strength verification.
Reaction rates accelerate with temperature. As a rule of thumb, curing near 10°C can take roughly twice as long as curing near 20°C to reach the same early strength. Maturity methods translate variable temperatures into an equivalent age, helping you compare cold‑weather and hot‑weather placements on the same scale.
Hydration needs water. When relative humidity drops, surface moisture is lost and strength gain can slow, especially in thin sections. Maintaining moisture by wet burlap, fogging, ponding, or curing compounds reduces shrinkage cracking risk and improves surface durability.
Lower water–cement ratio generally increases early strength and reduces permeability, but it may require better finishing practices. Higher ratios can delay strength gain and increase bleeding. Practical mixes often range from 0.40–0.55 depending on exposure class, workability needs, and admixture strategy.
Rapid‑hardening cement can achieve usable strength earlier, supporting faster cycles. Blended systems with slag or fly ash can improve long‑term durability but may slow early strength, especially in cool conditions. Adjust curing plans and stripping windows to match the binder system.
Thicker members may retain heat from hydration, which can speed early strength but also raise thermal cracking concerns. Thin slabs cool faster and can dry at the surface, demanding prompt curing. For mass concrete, temperature monitoring and staged placements are often required.
Accelerators can reduce set time and shorten the path to early strength, useful in cold weather or tight schedules. Retarders help in hot weather and long haul times but can delay finishing and form removal. Always confirm compatibility with the cementitious system.
Use this calculator to create a documented estimate based on temperature, humidity, mix parameters, and curing method. Treat the output as a planning value, then validate with cylinders, maturity sensors, or pull‑out testing. Specifications, safety factors, and critical loads should control final decisions.
No. Curing is hydration and strength gain, while drying is moisture loss. Good curing keeps moisture available so hydration continues and durability improves.
It depends on design loads, member type, and required strength. Many projects use strength targets rather than days. Verify with your specifications and test results.
Higher temperatures can speed early strength, but hot conditions also increase evaporation and cracking risk. Use proper curing methods and consider retarders or temperature controls.
Low humidity increases evaporation. When conditions are dry or windy, protect the surface immediately after finishing using wet coverings or a curing compound.
Blended mixes vary widely by source and proportion. Treat the estimate as a planning baseline, then confirm with maturity monitoring or field‑cured specimens.
Often yes. Exterior exposures benefit from longer moist curing to improve surface strength, reduce permeability, and lower the risk of early shrinkage cracking.
Days are a proxy. For safety, use strength-based criteria and testing. Traffic, equipment loads, and joint design should be reviewed before opening.
Estimate curing durations; always verify with field testing independently.
Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.