Another factor affecting the modulus of elasticity of concrete is the manner in which the test cylinders were cured. In general, concrete specimens that were cured in moist conditions resulted in a modulus value higher than those cured in dry conditions. This is due to the fact that in dry conditions concrete is more likely to have drying shrinkage. Drying shrinkage causes small cracks. These small cracks thus will cause the concrete to have a reduced modulus of elasticity (Shah and Ahmad 53).

It is important to note that curing conditions for tests of high performance concrete may not be representative of the actual curing conditions for the structure being built. However, this difference in curing conditions more directly affects the compressive strength.