Effects Of Cold Weather On Concrete Curing

Be prepared to handle more bleed water than is typical in regular concrete placement.

Effects of cold weather on concrete curing.

Curing in cold weather will be different as in this case the biggest concern will be the maintaining of an adequate and conducive temperature for hydration. For massive members the heat generated by the concrete during hydration will be adequate to provide a satisfactory curing temperature. Damaging effects of cold weather concreting. A delayed setting when the temperature is falling to about 5 0 c or below the development of strength of concrete is retarded compared with development at normal temperature.

Freezing of concrete at early stage. In the absence of special precautions the effect of cold weather concreting may be as follows. Poor finishing techniques can also doom your slabs. If your concrete isn t protected with concrete curing blankets after it s poured it may cool too rapidly slowing the chemical reaction.

For well proportioned concrete mixtures this is typically within 48 hours of placement when the concrete temperature is maintained at 50 f. When the temperature is falling to about 5 0 c or below the development of strength of concrete is. Except in heated protective enclosures little or no external supply of moisture is required for curing during cold weather. Depending on the actual ambient temperature protection of a concrete placement may require the use of windbreaks enclosures or supplementary heat.

Following deleterious effect may occur due to cold weather concreting hydration will be hampered. Stresses due to. Concrete poured and placed in cold weather has a much slower setting and curing time so bleeding will also start later than expected. The permanent damage may occur when the concrete in fresh stage is exposed to.

If the temperature is too cold the concrete may not have reached a minimum strength of 500 psi soon enough to resist the effects of freezing temperatures. The exposure of concrete to cold weather will extend the time required for it to reach initial set which may require finishing crews to be available for a longer period. Concrete placed during cold weather will develop sufficient strength and durability to satisfy the intended service requirements when it is properly produced placed and protected.