What can happen if the base material absorbs moisture from poured concrete?

When base material absorbs moisture from poured concrete, it may lead to surface cracking. This occurs because as the moisture is absorbed, the concrete can dry out more quickly than intended. The rapid drying can result in uneven curing conditions, which causes stress within the concrete as it hardens. These stresses can lead to cracking, particularly on the surface, as the outer layers may shrink faster than the interior, creating tension that the material cannot withstand.

In contrast, while enhancing the overall strength of concrete is an ideal outcome, the absorption of moisture does not contribute positively to strength; rather, it jeopardizes the curing process. Preventing concrete from setting completely is unlikely, as the chemical process of hydration will still occur. Lastly, while curing temperature can influence the concrete's performance, moisture absorption does not inherently reduce the curing temperature itself. Thus, the scenario described leads most directly to surface cracking as the appropriate consequence.