What to do right after concrete is set to help it be stronger and last longer. Shows how we cured the concrete after it was poured to help keep it warm enough at night and also so it would not dry out too much in our dry climate. Concrete should be moist and not too hot or too cold while curing to have the highest long term strength and longevity. Concrete will still likely crack a little in the long run but if you reinforce with rebar and also cure it properly it will be less likely to crack and much stronger. Ideal conditions for curing concrete are temperatures between 50-60 degrees and moist. Don’t let concrete dry out or get too hot or freeze within the first week after it is poured. Do what you can to keep it from freezing with a blanket or tarp if it gets cold at night. Also don’t pour concrete on frozen ground in the winter. Ideally if you can choose the season for pouring it is ideal to not do it if you live in a climate with a very hot and dry summer. If you must pour in the summer then use water to keep it cooler. Curing concrete properly can help it be stronger and last longer. Check out the information on the website below:
http://www.cement.org/learn/concrete-technology/concrete-construction/curing-in-construction
https://www.thebalance.com/highly-recommended-methods-to-cure-concrete-844449