In field curing, the temperature of the surrounding environment must be managed to ensure it matches what?

Managing the temperature of the surrounding environment during field curing is essential to ensure that it matches the temperature of the structural work. This is important because the curing process relies on certain temperature thresholds for optimal hydration and strength gain of the concrete. If the temperature of the environment is too low or too high compared to the temperature of the structural work, it can adversely affect the curing process, leading to inadequate strength development, cracking, or other performance issues.

The goal is to maintain a consistent curing temperature that allows for the proper chemical reactions within the concrete to occur effectively. By aligning the surrounding temperature with that of the structural work, it helps foster ideal curing conditions, facilitating the intended performance of the concrete in its final application. Thus, monitoring and adjusting the environmental temperature plays a critical role in achieving the desired properties of the cured concrete.