Cold weather concrete???

DrDan · Jan 16, 2002

What's the coldest temperature where concrete will still cure ok? Is 28 F ok? Can they add stuff to it to make it cure in cold weather?

Help my place is nothing but mud and can't even get to my new building. Need concrete yesterday!!!

DrDan

cowboydoc · Jan 16, 2002

Dan,
Yes you can put concrete in in cold weather. Make sure the guys know what they are doing though that do it. It's alot more complicated process but it is done.

BHarrison · Jan 16, 2002

I don't think it would be wise to pour at 28 degrees. I think the magic number is in the 40s.

I think they can add an accelerator at the plant. I saw a case one time where they either added too much, or got caught up in traffic, but buy the time they got to the pour site the concrete was already setting in the truck. Big mess. I'd stay away from it.

MikePA · Jan 16, 2002

I agree with doc. It can be done with the right additives, covering, etc., but, all things considered, I'd have to need the concrete real bad to pour in the winter. Wouldn't some limestone do for now?

Robert_in_NY · Jan 16, 2002

The driver can add calcium to the mix once he is at your site the calcium actually heats the concrete allowing it to cure in cold wether. We have done this numerous times as jobs need to be done, last year we poured a foundation for a argon tank, the foundation was 20'x 10' and 3' footers the pad was 30". We poured it in december and covered it with plastic, it snowed that night and the snow melted off the concrete because of the heat the calcium adds to the mix. When you order the concrete or whoever is ordering it they have to tell the plant the conditions and the plant will make sure the driver has the calcium. As for the concrete setting up in the trucks, that was a different mix of concrete that is a fast setting mix for using on roadways usually. They had a problem like that while they were building a bridge and a bunch of trucks got caught when a guy threatened to throw himself off the bridge, the concrete had to be dumped before it got too hot but they didn't make it as the sun came out and heated the mix.

DrDan · Jan 16, 2002

Thanks guys... The concrete man says he doesn't like to do it because when they cover it up the cover leaves marks on the concrete. I have machinery I need to get moved into my new 30' X 80' building so I am about to opt for it marks or no marks. As long as it cures ok...

LOL Concrete guy didn't think it was funny when I said I can always spray a layer of asphalt on it.

[censored] winter weather!

DrDan

beenthere · Jan 16, 2002

For clarity, is the area (drive) ready to pour? Does it have a bed of gravel now, or is it mud (going by what you said)? Sounds like just pouring concrete in the cold weather isn't the only question you face. But I could be way off base, and my apologies, if so.

If mud, pouring concrete on top would be tough to do.
Are there drainage lines that need to be run to get the water from the mud out of there?

If gravel over mud, getting the concrete truck on it may be a little risky.

Would dumping gravel on this stretch get you by for now, then grading it in the spring to pour a concrete slab on top possibly work?

RMulkey · Jan 16, 2002

LOL, my concrete guy didn't have a sense of humor about asphault either. Called the stuff evil and useless. Of course what do you expect, the house, barn and driveway he poured used over 300 yards of concrete at $3.45 a square foot. It would have taken another 600 yards to finish the barn access. Asphault was $1.85 a foot with 3" of finish over 4" of roadbase.

cowboydoc · Jan 17, 2002

Yea it's definitely a reality Dan. I wouldn't worry about the marks from the blankets or whatever they use. It's no different than brushing on a surface with a broom for some traction.

DrDan · Jan 17, 2002

Actually it is a sandy subsoil but it has been such lousy weather and there has been so many contractors driving back and forth over the area that it has turned it into a mudhole. Can you imagine? I had three electricians hare wiring today. Guess how many panel trucks they had? Three of course... Ain't no gas shortage here anyhow.

Yes I figure the heck with the marks on the concrete as long as it hardens ok. I've been fiddling with these guys since early November and am "way" behind on my furniture and cabinet orders. A guy can only play games so long and then it's time to sh#@ or get off the pot.

Concrete laid is on $2.28 a square foot here. Pretty good deal as opposed to $3.50. Gheesh!

By the way the underslab hot water heat is up and running and is wonderful! I highly recommend Radiantek system (So does my heating contractor who installed it). He installed a system in his shop and it is nowhere near as nice a quality as this one. It works so goo it's boring... Dang water heater never kicks on unless you turn up the thermostat. Got all zones set at 59 F and it is comfortable as can be. I may be moving out there soon. The heck with this drafty cold house!

I'll post pictures of the system later. It is so cool. Looks like a submarine with all the valves, tubing and pumps.

DrDan