Cold Weather Concreting ‘There are two elements of cold weather concreting which should be a concern: 1 2. Setting Time and Rate of Strength gain. Cold weather is defined as a period when, for more than 3 consecutive days - the average daily air temperature is less than 40 degrees For the air temperature is not greater than 50 degrees F for more than 12 of any 24 hour period. At32 degrees F, the rate of hydration and strength-gain is very slow; and below freezing, it’s nearly nil. Slab loses moisture and /or heats rapidly in cold weather atmospheres. These factors will affect strength gain and long term durability of the concrete. Cold Weather Can freeze mix water, reducing concrete strength up to 50%. Increases concrete set time up to one-third for each 10 degree F decrease in air temperature. Retards concrete stiffening. Slows concrete strength gain. Precautions Precautions should be taken when air temperature drops below 40 degree F. Cure to protect against freezing until concrete reaches 500-psi compressive strength. Protect concrete against multiple freeze-thaw cycles until it reaches 3500-psi compressive strength. Pouring Concrete in Cold Weather Conditions 1 2, Do not place concrete on frozen sub grade. Provide sufficient insulation blankets or heaters for the scheduled concrete placement. Maintain concrete temperature above 50 degree F by insulating or heating for three days. Use insulation blankets to retain internal heat concrete generated by concrete. Use heated enclosures to block wind, keep out the cold, and conserve heat. ‘Do not use unvented combustion heaters: carbon dioxide from heater can cause soft, dusting floors. Use Air Entrainment if concrete is exposed to freeze-thaw. Use proper Curing methods as soon as possible.Hot Weather Concreting Hot weather conditions occur infrequently in Ireland, usually for short periods, during the summer months. These conditions, which have recently been experienced, may re-occur, However infrequently, the effects of hot weather conditions on concrete are: © Higher fresh concrete temperatures. © Higher water demand. «Faster rate of slump loss/lower workability. + More rapid hydration. © Quicker Setting. Hot Weather can be a combination of any of the followin; © High Ambient Temperature © High Solar Radiation «Lower Relative Humidity * High wind velocity Potential Problems: + Acombination of these effects usually has a significant impact on the properties of concrete for both the fresh and hardened state. + Shorter working life causes difficulties in transport, placing and finishing, Increased risk of the plastic shrinkage cracking. * Both higher fresh concrete temperatures and increased water demand can lead to reduced later age strength, even though early strength may increase. * Increase in permeability, with greater tendency for drying shrinkage and thermal contraction. Guidelines to minimise the effects of Hot Weather Concretin; 1, Plan, where possible to mix the concrete early in the morning or late in the evening. Place as quickly as possible; avoid wasting time on site, Reduce thickness of placed layers in deep sections. Shade concrete from solar gain, drying winds, (particularly slabs). Protect and cure promptly. wawnVibrating Concrete Proper Vibration * Increases compressive strength and bond between concrete and rebar and decreases concrete permeability. * Decreases cold joints, honeycombing, excessive entrapped air and segregation. * Cause concrete within a circular field of action to act like liquid. How to Vibrate «Insert vibrator vertically, allowing it to penetrate rapidly to the bottom of the lift and at least 6 inches into the previous lift. * Hold at bottom of lift for 5 to 15 seconds. © Pull vibrator up at a rate of 15 seconds for a 4-foot lift (about 3 inches per second). Stop Vibrating Concrete When * The concrete surface takes on sheen. © Large air bubbles no longer escape. © You hear the vibrator change pitch or tone. © You feel a change in vibrator action, Spacing Tips * Insert a vibrator so the fields of action overlap. © Watch the concrete to determine the vibrator’ field of action. + High-powered vibrators and high-slump concrete have large fields of action. * Rule of Thumb: The field of action is 8 times the vibrators head diameter. Vibrating Don’ts * Don’t let a vibrator run outside of the concrete; it will overheat © Don’t use a vibrator to move concrete horizontally. * Don’t force or push a vibrator into concrete; it won't remain vertical and may get caught in the reinforcement. ‘* Don’t start a job without a spare vibrator.