Herbert Construction

Concrete Foundation Contractor

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Cold Weather Concreting

Cold weather concrete pours are a necessity, and when the weather in your region gets below certain temperatures, you need to have a knowledgeable concrete contractor pouring your concrete.  Dependent on what type of concrete structure you are pouring, there are specific guidelines that need to be followed to ensure that the concrete keeps its strength, and is not damaged by the freezing temperatures.  If concrete freezes earlier than the time it has to reach the minimum 500 PSI, then it can reduce the strength of the concrete up to 50%!

ACI (American Concrete Institute) defines cold weather concreting when the air temperature has fallen to, or is expected to fall below 40°F (4°C) during the protection period.  Usually defined as below 40°F for 3 consecutive days.

Steps to Ensure Successful Cold Weather Concrete Pours:

  1. Determine Pour Strategy
    1. Make sure the site is ready for the pour.
      1. Ground MUST be thawed prior to pouring concrete.
    2. What forms will be used?
    3. What material testing will be used?
    4. Have a back up plan for any weather changes or equipment breakdowns.
  2. Modification of Concrete Mix
    1. Use higher strength mixes.
    2. Use lower water/cement ratio.
    3. Add additional cement.
    4. Add accelerating mixtures (be cautious).
      1. Calcium-Chloride ad mixtures.
      2. Mineral ad mixtures (slag or fly ash).
      3. Non-chloride ad mixtures.
    5. Use air-entrained concrete.
  1. Heated Concrete
    1. Request heated concrete mix.
    2. Use insulation or heated blankets.
    3. Use heated enclosures.
  2. Stripping Forms
    1. Forms will need to be left in place longer during cold weather pours so that concrete can develop its required strength. (see below chart for ACI guidelines).

Concrete can be poured successfully in cold weather.  If your concrete contractor is knowledgeable, and follows ACI standards, your concrete structure will stand the test of time.

Herbert Construction Co. is an Atlanta concrete contractor that was founded in Michigan in 1978.  Cold weather concrete pouring is second nature to Herbert Construction Co., so you can rest assure that you are in good hands with HCC no matter what the weather.