Concrete curing blankets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional concrete curing blankets are ineffective for extended curing times beyond 14 days, are limited by weather conditions, and require rewetting due to water evaporation, especially in hot weather.
Innovation Solution
The use of Super Absorbent Polymers (SAP) in concrete curing blankets provides controlled water release for extended periods, maintaining high water saturation at the concrete surface and supplying adequate water for cement hydration, while also incorporating admixtures for surface treatment and improved concrete properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If conventional curing blankets are used, then they can prevent water evaporation and maintain water level in concrete, but they are unable to secure long curing times beyond 14 days and require rewetting under hot weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The blanket is pre-saturated with water before use, storing adequate water content in the absorbent layer to provide moisture for extended curing periods without requiring subsequent rewetting operations
Solution Approach 2:
The blanket structure changes from conventional non-absorbent materials to incorporate an absorbent layer capable of retaining and slowly releasing water, fundamentally altering the moisture delivery mechanism to extend effective curing duration
2Quantity of substance
If conventional curing blankets with perforations are used, then water transport is enabled, but the blankets must be rewetted through these perforations to extend functioning under hot weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The blanket incorporates an absorbent layer with controlled porosity that allows water to be retained within the material matrix and gradually released through diffusion and capillary action, providing sustained water supply without requiring external rewetting
Solution Approach 2:
The absorbent layer provides continuous water release over an extended period, maintaining consistent moisture availability at the concrete interface throughout the curing process without interruption or need for replenishment
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional curing blankets are used, then they function under limited weather conditions, but they are ineffective for extended curing times and require additional water in hot weather
Solution Approach 1:
The blanket incorporates an absorbent layer that fundamentally changes the moisture retention and release characteristics, enabling the system to maintain effectiveness across a broader range of environmental conditions including high temperatures and low humidity
Solution Approach 2:
The blanket is pre-saturated with adequate water content to create a reservoir that cushions against future water loss through evaporation, ensuring sufficient moisture is available throughout the entire curing period regardless of weather conditions
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables concrete curing for longer than 14 days without additional water, maintains optimal water-to-cement ratio, and enhances concrete strength, durability, and surface treatment, outperforming conventional curing blankets in terms of effectiveness and sustainability.
Implementation Method 1
a storage layer including a super absorbent polymer material for storing liquid therein
Implementation Method 2
The SAP at the blanket surface creates interactions with the concrete capillaries
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are concrete curing blankets having two or more channels. The channels extend longitudinally and are formed by fluid-tight seals, where all of the layers of the blanket are bonded together. The concrete curing blankets are placed over poured and curing concrete to maintain high water content in the concrete during curing and to accelerate the concrete curing and hardening processes.