Concrete retarder question...?

Question

How long is "retarder" active in concrete? I mean, does it only make the concrete workable for a little longer or does it slow down the long term curing process? I poured 4 yards of 5000 mix concrete with retarder in it 2 weeks ago... Is this concrete just as cured as crete with no retarder in it after 2 weeks? Any concrete gurus please advise. Thanx!

Answer 1

Concrete retarders only last for a couple of hours to prolong workability. The strength gain will be the same as concrete without retarder or possibly better because retarders help keep water in the mix longer which increase hydration of the cement for better strength.