Module#3.
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Concrete Technology &
RCC Design
Instructor:
Engr. Suliman Khan
Lecturer, GCT Kohat
Lecture Content
Concreting Under Special Conditions
Cold Weather Concreting
Hot Weather Concreting
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Cold Weather Concreting
ACI 306R-16, defines “Cold Weather” as:
when air temperature has fallen to, or is expected to fall below, 40°F (4°C)
during the protection period.
protection period is defined as the time recommended to prevent concrete from
being adversely affected by exposure to cold weather during construction.
ACI 306R-88, defines “Cold Weather” as
The average daily temperature is below 40°F (4°C) for more than three
consecutive days.
The air temperature does not exceed 50°F (10°C) for more than half of any 24-
hour period.
Effects of Cold Weather on Concreting
Delayed Setting & Hardening of Concrete
Low Workability
Freezing of Concrete (Ice Formation ): Freezing can disrupt the
paste matrix in fresh concrete, leading to reduced strength and
increased porosity.
Thermal Cracking: De-icing of water or paste may lead to cracking
of concrete
Guidelines for Cold Weather Concreting
Use rapid hardening cement or Type-III (High Early Strength
Cement).
Protection from Freezing: Fresh concrete must be protected from
freezing until it achieves an initial compressive strength of at least 500 psi
(3.5 MPa) which is usually achieved in 24 hrs. If concrete freezes before this
strength is reached, it may not develop its intended strength.
Scheduling Concrete in warmer part of the day.
Heating of Mix Ingredients:
Heating of Aggregates
Heating of Water: Water can be heated but it is inadvisable to exceed
temperature (60 or 80oC) as it may lead to flash set of cement.
Guidelines for Cold Weather Concreting
Placement Conditions: Concrete should not be placed on frozen ground or
against frozen surfaces. If the ground is frozen, it must be thawed or
removed before placement.
Use Accelerators admixture to accelerate the rate of hydration and
early age strength of Concrete.
Insulation: Use insulating blankets or other protective measures to maintain
warmth around the concrete during the critical curing period.
Hot Weather Concreting
Factors Contributing to Hot Weather Concreting
•High Ambient Temperature: Typically defined as temperatures above
24°C (75°F).
•High Concrete Temperature: Concrete temperature should not exceed
35°C (95°F) at discharge as per ACI 301.
•Low Relative Humidity: Increases the rate of moisture loss from the
concrete.
•High Wind Speed: Accelerates evaporation rates, leading to potential
cracking
Effects of Hot Weather on Concreting
Increased water demand Decreased durability resulting from
Increased rate of slump loss or cracking.
workability. Greater variability of surface
Increased rate of setting, resulting in appearance.
greater difficulty with handling, Increased potential for reinforcing steel
compacting, and finishing. corrosion
Increased tendency for plastic- Increased permeability
shrinkage cracking.
Decreased 28-day and later age
strength.
Guidelines for Hot Weather Concreting
• Pre-Placement Planning
• Scheduling: Plan concrete placement during cooler parts of the day
(early morning or late evening).
• Cooling Methods
• Precooling Ingredients: Cool aggregates and mixing water. Store
aggregates in shaded areas or use water sprays to lower their
temperature.
• Ice in Mix Water: Incorporate ice cubes into the mixing water to lower
the overall temperature of the concrete mix.
Guidelines for Hot Weather Concreting
• Placement Techniques
• Rapid Placement and Finishing: Ensure quick placement and
finishing to minimize setting issues. Use additional labor if necessary.
• Layering Techniques: Place concrete in thinner layers to reduce
delays between lifts.
• Curing Practices
• Effective Curing Methods: Use wet bags, evaporation retarders, or curing
compounds to retain moisture in the concrete.
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