The United Kingdom, renowned for its temperate climate and often characterized by its mild, damp weather, has experienced a notable shift in recent years. Global climate change is influencing weather patterns worldwide. Above all, these heat waves can have significant implications for various sectors, including construction.
To ensure the successful execution of projects in such extreme environments, construction professionals must carefully navigate the intricacies of concreting in hot weather.
How Can Hot Weather Affect Concrete? Is it important to keep concrete mixes cool in hot weather?
As the concrete undergoes the process of cement hydration, it goes through a crucial phase of strengthening. This process involves the bonding of water with the concrete mixture, forming crystals within the concrete. To have optimal durability, proper curing methods are essential. It may span several weeks or longer. Also, some major issues can arise during hot weather concreting:
- The high temperature causes rapid water evaporation from the concrete surface, leading to drying out. Further, this can result in weaker concrete, making it susceptible to cracks, chips, and other structural problems.
- Warm conditions can accelerate the drying process, which possibly causes the concrete to become weak or soft. Moreover, insufficient moisture during hydration can compromise the final strength of the concrete.
- The increased heat may adversely affect the concrete’s performance during the critical initial curing period.
- Also, concreting in severe weather may reduce 28-day strength by up to 10% compared to optimal conditions.
How to Minimize the Effect of Hot Weather?
By adequately scheduling and implementing effective strategies, it is possible to pour concrete at a higher temperature without compromising its quality. To control the concrete’s temperature in such conditions, the following tips can be employed:
- Opt for a concrete mix designed for hot weather applications to enhance its performance and resilience.
- Make necessary adjustments to the mixture and utilize chilled mixing water to regulate the temperature during the mixing process.
- Further, dampen the substrate before placing the concrete to prevent excessive water evaporation from the mixture.
- Incorporate a retarding admixture to slow down the setting time of the concrete, allowing sufficient time for proper placement and finishing.
- Schedule the laying of concrete in hot weather early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the ambient temperatures are lower. Further, it minimizes the risk of rapid evaporation.
- Settle sunshades around the concrete area to shield it from direct rays and maintain a cooler environment for better curing.
- If feasible, increase the number of workers involved in the process to expedite the finishing and confirm that the concrete is worked with promptly.
How to Keep My Concrete Mix Cool During Hot Weather?
Here are some hacks and techniques to help you keep your concrete mix cool during hot weather:
- Start by using cold water when mixing the concrete. The lower the initial temperature of the water, the longer it will take for the concrete to heat up during the hydration process.
- Additionally, replace a portion of the mixing water with ice or chilled water. It will decrease the concrete mix’s overall temperature and slow the heat generation during the setting.
- Set up temporary shade structures over the concrete pour site to shield the area from direct daylight. If feasible, drape shading nets over freshly laid concrete surfaces to guard them from direct sunlight. Basically, these nets aid in lowering the surface temperature.
- Also, consider installing windbreaks to decrease the impact of hot, dry winds that can accelerate moisture evaporation.
- Before placing the concrete, wet the subgrade or formwork. Certainly, it helps maintain a cooler environment and prevents quick water absorption from the concrete mix.
- Sprinkle water lightly on the concrete surface during curing to encourage evaporative cooling. Furthermore, it assists in reducing the surface temperature and minimizing the risk of cracking.
- Blend chemical retarders into the concrete mix to slow down the setting time. Above all, it allows for more extended placement and finishing periods, which is beneficial in sizzling weather.
- Consider using hydration control admixtures that can regulate the hydration process, thus receding the heat generated.
- When pouring concrete in hot weather, use chilled water to control the curing process and guarantee optimal strength and durability. You need to store the water in a shaded area or use ice to chill it. Aim for a water temperature between 45°F (7°C) and 65°F (18°C).
- Continuously monitor the temperature of the concrete during mixing, transportation, and placement. However, this step lets you know of potential issues and take corrective measures promptly.
How to Stop Concrete Cracking in Hot Weather
Optimize Concrete Mix Design:
Develop a concrete mix with a well-balanced cement, aggregates, and water composition. The appropriate mix presents maximum strength, which contributes to crack resistance.
Control Water Content:
Minimize the water-to-cement ratio in the mix, as excess water weakens the concrete and intensifies cracking vulnerability. Also, utilize superplasticizers and water-retaining admixtures to retain moisture for an extended period during curing.
Incorporate Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs):
You can enhance the concrete’s properties by including SCMs like fly ash, silica fume, or slag. These materials decline heat generation during hydration, making the concrete more resistant to thermal cracking.
Low-Heat Cement:
Consider using low-heat cement, which renders less heat during curing, lowering the risk of temperature-related cracking.
Efficient Curing Methods:
Follow proper curing techniques such as wet burlap, polyethylene sheets, or curing compounds. It helps preserve adequate moisture levels and protect the surface from rapid drying.
Temperature Monitoring and Control:
Everyone must install temperature sensors to monitor the concrete’s temperature during curing. Implement cooling methods, such as water or ice application, if the temperature becomes excessively high.
Strategic Control Joint Placement:
Make use of control joints at regular intervals to allow for controlled cracking at predetermined locations. Also, adequate spacing and depth of control joints should be based on the concrete thickness and expected shrinkage.
Proper Site Preparation:
Ensure the construction site is sufficiently prepared, with appropriate subgrade preparation and protection from extreme heat.
Expert Concrete Placement:
Employ experienced concrete placement crews who understand the challenges of working in hot weather and can precisely execute the job.
FAQs
Can You Lay Concrete in Hot Weather?
Hot weather poses several challenges that need to be addressed for a successful concrete placement in hot weather. High temperatures can accelerate the setting time of concrete and increase water evaporation, making it more difficult to achieve proper hydration. From the problems of plastic shrinkage cracking to thermal cracking, lessened tensile strength to increase permeability in hot weather concreting is not recommended.
Is it ok to Pour Concrete in Hot Weather?
While pouring concrete in hot weather is possible, it requires careful planning and implementation to avoid potential problems. It is advisable to NOT pour concrete in hot weather to prevent challenges such as rapid evaporation, cracking, and reduced strength.
Even with preventive measures like using chilled water and suitable materials, the rise in temperature can adversely affect the concrete pouring process.
What is the common problem of hot weather concreting?
- Raised water demand
- Greater possibility of plastic-shrinkage cracking
- Increased moisture loss
- Rapid setting/stiffening/curing rate
- Compromised compressive strength
- Difficulty in controlling entrained air content
- The accelerated rate of slump loss
- Less time for finishing
- The tendency for differential thermal cracking
- Grown permeability
Conclusion
As you gain experience and knowledge, your expertise in concreting in hot weather will undoubtedly grow. Remember, every project is a learning opportunity, and your dedication to mastering this skill will set you apart as a professional in the construction industry.
Now, go forth confidently, armed with the know-how to tackle the challenges of concreting in hot weather.
