Red Seal Concrete Finisher Practice Exam 2025 – Your All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

When concrete is subjected to extreme temperatures during the curing process, it can result in various detrimental effects, primarily leading to cracking and a reduction in strength. Extreme heat can accelerate the hydration process too quickly, causing the surface to dry out and leading to surface cracking. Additionally, if temperatures are extremely low, the hydration process can slow down or even halt, which can prevent the concrete from gaining the intended strength over time.

The phenomenon referred to as thermal cracking occurs when some parts of the concrete are subjected to different temperatures than others. This temperature differential can induce stress in the material, resulting in cracks that compromise structural integrity.

Maintaining an appropriate curing temperature is crucial for the chemical reactions that lead to the hardening and strength development of concrete. Thus, it is essential to monitor and, if necessary, control the temperature during the curing phase to ensure the final strength and durability of the concrete.