Cold Weather Concreting

The expansion of water as it freezes can cause serious damage to partly set concrete. In cold conditions cement hydration slows and concrete takes longer to gain strength. In most parts of New Zealand the critical period is the first 24 hours, in particular, the first night. Concrete should not be placed on frozen ground. Placing concrete into shady areas and/or where there is little air movement below temperatures of 10 degrees Centigrade will contribute to slower cement hydration.

Precautions:

• Order low slump concrete
• Order concrete containing air entraining and water reducing ad-mixtures
• Consider using accelerating ad-mixtures
• Consider using higher strength concrete
• Don’t place concrete on frozen ground
• Protect freshly placed concrete from frost
• Increase ventilation and exposure to sunlight wherever possible
• Delay removal of form-work to allow time for concrete to gain strength

Allied Concrete staff are more than happy to help you with any problems or enquiries.

For more information or assistance, please don’t hesitate to call. Your call will be automatically connected to our nearest plant. (Calls from mobile phones will be directed for Auckland or Christchurch.)

DISCLAIMER: Allied Concrete has endeavoured to present the best possible information. However we accept no responsibility for the application of the principles discussed.