Theory 139/Concrete curing/Rate lens
Strength Follows Hydration Rate
The claim
Concrete strength gain is set by the rate of cement hydration rather than by curing time, so warm concrete matures in days and cold concrete in months.
01Mechanism
Hydration products bind the aggregate; the reaction rate determines how fast strength develops.
02Prediction
Strength should track hydration rate.
03Refutation
Strength tracking age would remove the rate.