The Time Factor: How Long Should My Construction Project Last?

Last Updated 8 months ago by Kenya Engineer

Can I build within a month if I’ve all the resources? I’m sure you’ve heard or thought of completing a project overnight, if you had too much money.

In as much as we build with money, time is also another indispensable factor to consider. We can’t despise the importance of time and patience when building. Many people in an attempt to build within few days, do so in the dry season when temperatures are hot causing mortar and concretes to dry quickly.

Let’s talk about the thing called CONCRETE, possibly our last but one class on this subject. Concrete is the mixture of stones, cement, sand and water, mostly used to cast floors, pillars, slabs etc.

But do you know the properties and behavior of concrete? Concrete requires constant moisture to ensure proper hydration of the cement elements.  It’s like cow dung. It dries quickly, causing you to believe it’s set and ready to carry load. That’s an illusion!

There’s something called CONCRETE CURING.
Concrete curing is the process of ensuring proper hydration of cement, preventing moisture loss and maintaining the appropriate temperature after the concrete is placed.  During the curing process, cement particles react with water to form chemical bonds that bind the aggregates, i.e., fine sand, gravel, crushed rocks, etc..

That’s why you don’t need extreme hot weather for your concrete works. It’s even a disadvantage if you can’t facilitate the curing process.

In average conditions, concrete takes 24 to 48 hours to harden enough to walk on, one week to support the weight of vehicles, and 28 days to fully cure (ceteris Paribus). In essence, it’ll take one (1) month for the concrete you used for your flow, pillar, floor casting etc to cure, gaining its strength and hardness. This one month is correct only if the conditions precedent are met. If not, you’ll need more days to wait.

If curing isn’t completed, don’t progress. Don’t introduce load, whether dead or live. Dead load refers to a non-moving weight or any permanent load that forms part of the building. Live load is the opposite of dead load (moving weights).

Don’t load blocks on the concreted floor awaiting masonry works when the concrete hasn’t reached its maximum curing level or strength. If you go ahead to build, you reduce the lifespan of the concrete. Something that’s supposed to last for 10years will live for 7yrs and starts developing fractures.

WHY IS CURING IMPORTANT?
Proper curing helps to retain the moisture within the concrete and slows down the hardening process, giving it time to settle and strengthen. Without curing, the surface will dry too quickly, causing the surface to shrink and crack.  To facilitate optimal strength development and durability, don’t let your concrete lose moisture.

HOW DO I ENSURE PROPER CURING?
You can employ methods such as sprinkling water, covering it with wet burlap sacks, or applying curing compounds.

Also, wet your floors and walls before applying concrete. This mitigates the rate at which moisture from the concrete is absorbed by the blocks.

CONCLUSION
Can I build in a month if I’ve all the resources? NO ! Don’t rush to build.