Planning for Cold Weather Concreting
As the leaves start to change, and the temperature starts to drop, construction companies and ready-to-mix producers are gearing up for the colder weather. To avoid lag time or facing issues such as freezing of concrete at an early age,lack of required strength,improper curing, rapid temperature changes, and improper protection of the structure, contractors must plan, plan, plan. This entails using the right protection methods and tools to aid in creating durable, sustainable concrete during cold weather concreting.
When faced with temperature fluctuations concrete is subject to different curing conditions. Contractors must prepare long before the weather changes to adequately protect fresh concrete. Having the right equipment ready to use at the job site such as tarps and blankets can help avoid extraneous delays and unsafe concrete development.
ACI 360 defines “cold weather” as three or more consecutive days of low temperatures, specifically outdoor temperatures below 40°F (4°C) and air temperature below 50°F (10°C) for more than any 12-hour period.
