Evaluation of the Effects of Curing Methods on the Compressive Strength of Concrete

Concrete is one of the most essential materials in the construction industry, particularly in civil engineering, due to its high mechanical strength and versatility. However, its structural performance is strongly influenced by several factors, among which the curing methods plays a critical role, especially under the climatic conditions characteristic of coastal environments. Within this framework, the present study was conducted with the aim of evaluating the effectiveness of curing methods established by ACI 308 on the compressive strength of 240 kg/cm² concrete used in buildings at the PUCE Manabí campus, located in Manta. Five curing methods were evaluated, including continuous water immersion, water spraying, surface protection with plastic sheets, sand coverage, and exposure without protection. Compressive performance was assessed at 3, 7, and 28 days following standardized testing procedures. The experimental results indicate significant differences among the curing methods. Continuous water immersion was the only method that consistently achieved and exceeded the specified performance at 28 days, whereas the remaining methods yielded lower mechanical values. These findings highlight the sensitivity of concrete performance to moisture control during early-age curing. The study concludes that curing methods that ensure uninterrupted moisture availability are essential for achieving design performance, underscoring the need for careful selection and implementation of curing methods in structural construction.