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Will concrete continue to increase in strength if there is no moisture present?

Q. Will concrete continue to increase in strength if there is no moisture present?

 

A. No. Concrete cannot gain strength except by continued hydration of cement or reaction of pozzolan with lime, which can take place only in the presence of water. Water is not lost from concrete immediately under ordinary conditions, however, and there will be some further increase in strength for a while. The amount and period of such increase will depend on the w/cm of the mixture and the size of the concrete members and their exposure to drying conditions.

 

References: SP-1(02)

Topics in Concrete: Concrete Fundamentals