PulpCure! A new way to wet cure concrete

Summary

In this video, Tyler Leigh introduces a new method of wet curing concrete using 'Pulp Cure,' an innovative solution that improves the traditional curing process. Unlike burlap, Pulp Cure is a biodegradable, environmentally friendly material made from recycled newspaper and other natural ingredients. It holds moisture effectively and can be applied easily to concrete surfaces, reducing labor costs and improving performance. Tyler explains how this method outperforms traditional wet burlap and offers substantial benefits, including longer water retention and recyclability, while also addressing the challenges of adoption and the future of concrete curing.

Takeaways

• 😀 Wet curing is considered the gold standard for concrete curing because it ensures proper hydration and temperature control during the curing process.
• 😀 Traditional burlap, while effective, has been used for over 70 years and may no longer be the most efficient material for curing concrete.
• 😀 Pulp cure, an innovative solution made from recycled newspaper, water, and other materials, is an environmentally friendly alternative to burlap.
• 😀 Pulp cure is biodegradable, reusable, and can hold moisture for an extended period, offering significant advantages over traditional wet curing methods.
• 😀 The application of pulp cure is simple, with options for both hand and machine application, depending on the scale of the project.
• 😀 A modified bridge deck applicator and special nozzles can efficiently apply pulp cure on large concrete surfaces like bridges, ensuring even coverage.
• 😀 Pulp cure retains moisture much longer than wet burlap, with experiments showing that it can last up to 60 hours in extreme weather conditions, outperforming traditional methods.
• 😀 One inch of pulp cure can hold as much water as half an inch of water ponding, making it a highly effective and efficient curing solution.
• 😀 The use of pulp cure reduces labor costs by about 30%, and no additional water is needed after its application, saving both time and resources.
• 😀 The primary drawback of pulp cure is the need for specialized equipment and local expertise in its mixing and application, but the benefits outweigh these challenges.
• 😀 The future of pulp cure looks promising, with ongoing tests to refine the method and make it easier for more construction teams to adopt.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the video?

The video focuses on an innovative method for wet curing concrete using 'pulp cure,' an alternative to traditional curing methods like burlap.

Why is wet curing important for concrete?

Wet curing is crucial because it provides moisture for the hydration process and helps maintain a constant temperature, allowing the concrete to reach its full potential.

What is the traditional method of wet curing concrete, and how does it work?

The traditional method involves using burlap, which is designed to hold potatoes but has been used for 70 years to hold moisture on concrete surfaces, although it has limitations.

What is 'pulp cure,' and what materials are used to make it?

Pulp cure is a concrete curing method made from recycled newspaper, water, and herbs, designed to hold moisture and help cure concrete more effectively than burlap.

How does pulp cure compare to traditional wet curing methods?

Pulp cure outperforms traditional methods like burlap in retaining moisture for longer periods, is environmentally friendly, reusable, and cost-effective.

What benefits does pulp cure offer over burlap?

Pulp cure saves labor, is recyclable, requires no additional water after application, reduces the risk of cracking, and is easier to apply and remove.

How is pulp cure applied to concrete?

Pulp cure can be applied manually or using specialized equipment like a curing bridge, which sprays the material evenly across large concrete surfaces like bridge decks.

What is the performance of pulp cure in different weather conditions?

In experiments, pulp cure showed superior moisture retention compared to burlap and water, especially under harsh conditions like hot, windy, and dry environments.

What are the drawbacks of using pulp cure?

The main drawbacks include the need for specialized equipment and building local expertise in mixing and application.

What future developments are being worked on for pulp cure?

The development of test methods for quality control and design optimization is ongoing, and there is an effort to encourage wider use of pulp cure in concrete curing.