Yes, concrete will cure under dirt. The process is called “curing” and it happens when the concrete hardens and the chemicals in the cement react with water and air to form a strong bond.
When it comes to concrete, there are a lot of myths and misconceptions out there. One common question we get is whether or not concrete will cure properly if it’s covered in dirt. The answer is yes!
Concrete can actually cure better when it’s covered in dirt because it helps keep the moisture in. So if you’re concerned about your concrete curing properly, don’t worry – just make sure it stays nice and moist.
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Contents
How Long Does Concrete Need to Cure before Backfilling?
Assuming you are referring to poured concrete, generally speaking you want to wait at least 24-48 hours before backfilling. This gives the concrete time to set up and harden enough so that it won’t be damaged when dirt is pushed up against it.
Of course, there are always exceptions to this rule.
If your pour is very small, or if the weather is extremely hot, you may be able to get away with backfilling sooner. Conversely, if your pour is large or if the weather is cold, you may need to wait longer.
If you’re unsure, your best bet is always to err on the side of caution and give the concrete more time to cure before backfilling.
Can You Pour Concrete into a Dirt Hole?
You can pour concrete into a dirt hole, but it is not recommended. The dirt will absorb some of the water from the concrete and make the finished product weaker. It is also more difficult to get a smooth finish when pouring concrete into a dirt hole.
What Happens If You Don’T Put Gravel under Concrete?
If you don’t put gravel under concrete, the concrete will eventually crack and crumble. The purpose of gravel is to act as a base for the concrete so that it doesn’t settle into the ground and cause cracks.
How Long Does Concrete Take to Dry in the Ground?
Assuming you are referring to newly poured concrete, it will take approximately 24 hours for the concrete to dry enough so that you can walk on it. However, it takes 28 days for the concrete to cure fully.
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How Long Does Concrete Take to Set in a Post Hole?
Most people are familiar with the fact that concrete takes a long time to set, but many don’t know exactly how long it takes for concrete to set in a post hole. The answer may surprise you – it can take up to 28 days for concrete to set in a post hole! That’s right, it can take four weeks for your concrete post hole to fully cure.
So why does it take so long? Well, there are a few factors at play. First of all, concrete needs time to hydrate – meaning it needs time to absorb water from its surroundings.
This process is what gives concrete its strength. Without enough water, the concrete will be weak and brittle.
Secondly, the temperature also plays a role in how quickly the concrete sets.
If it’s too cold, the water in the mix won’t be able to evaporate properly and this will prolong the setting time. Conversely, if it’s too hot, the evaporation process will happen too quickly and this can cause cracks in the finished product.
Finally, the type of aggregate (the rocks or gravel mixed into the cement) can also affect setting times.
Coarser aggregates tend to set more slowly than finer ones.
So there you have it – next time you’re wondering how long it’ll take for your new patio or driveway to set, remember that it could take up to 28 days!
Conclusion
It’s a common myth that concrete needs to be cured under dirt, but this is actually not the case! Concrete will cure just fine on its own, even if it’s not covered in dirt. The only time you need to worry about curing concrete under dirt is if the ground is too cold for the concrete to set properly.
In that case, you can cover the concrete with something insulating like straw or burlap to help keep the heat in.