Cold Weather Concrete Problems w/Contractor
Cold Weather Concrete Problems w/Contractor
(OP)
Need advice on what to tell the Architect. Contractor poured foundations for High School Bleachers. He was told to place insulated blankets on the footings and around piers. He did not do this but used a little straw instead. Over the weekend, the temperature got down to 20 degrees at night (Northern Ohio). What kind of tests can be performed to determine if the concrete was damaged.
Any other advice?
Any other advice?






RE: Cold Weather Concrete Problems w/Contractor
RE: Cold Weather Concrete Problems w/Contractor
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RE: Cold Weather Concrete Problems w/Contractor
If the concrete cooled, the reactivity and heat of hydration was reduced until the the concrete temperature increases. In general, freezing of concrete is not detrimental if the surface freezes while not fully saturated.
What was the temperature of the base (not air temperature) prior to the placement and what was the concrete temperature? Type I or Type III Portland cement?
Dick
Engineer and international traveler interested in construction techniques, problems and proper design.
RE: Cold Weather Concrete Problems w/Contractor
At -7degC, it's marginal... less so, if it was covered with a layer of straw... depends on how thick. It is possible that the matrix froze and then it depends when... if during the hydration process, it can weaken the concrete surface. If before, then with the heat of hydration, during the warmer day, it will start to hydrate normally.
Taking cylinders will not likely tell you much. The only way, if there is a concern is to undertake a petrographic study to examine the matrix on a microscopic level. If it is a footing and if you lose 1/2" of thickness, is there a problem? If not, then you might consider burying the 'body'.
Dik
RE: Cold Weather Concrete Problems w/Contractor
RE: Cold Weather Concrete Problems w/Contractor
RE: Cold Weather Concrete Problems w/Contractor
Dik
RE: Cold Weather Concrete Problems w/Contractor