We love concrete! Why? Because it’s strong, durable, low maintenance, and simple to use. But here’s the thing – when you add temperature into the equation, it’s a tricky relationship – one, like most relationships, requires a fine balance.
In an ideal world, the concrete temperature before pouring should be between 23 to 35 degrees Celsius. However, there are many factors that affect the temperature of concrete during the working process; some of these include the following.
- Air temperature.
- Ground temperature.
- Temperature of the concrete ingredients.
- The weather conditions.
In this article, we answer your questions on – why is getting the concrete temperature right so important. And how to control concrete temperature.
Reasons why concrete temperature is important in construction
Concrete temperature is a critical factor in construction because it can significantly impact the quality, strength, and durability of the final structure.
But that’s not all. Below, we highlight some key reasons why temperature is important in construction.
- Setting and curing time.
The temperature of concrete affects its setting and curing time. Higher temperatures accelerate the hydration process, causing the concrete to set and cure more quickly, causing shrinking and cracking. On the other hand, lower temperatures slow down the process and, in turn, reduce the durability of concrete, resulting in an increase in permeability. Controlling the setting and curing time is crucial to ensure the concrete has enough time to properly bond and achieve its desired strength. - Workability.
Proper temperature control ensures that the concrete remains in a workable state throughout the construction process. Imagine Play-Doh and how it is to work with when it’s at the right temperature and just how tough it is when it’s cold.
In the same way, in hot weather, concrete can become less workable more quickly, making it challenging to achieve the desired finish. While in the cold weather, concrete can become stiff and difficult to work with.
- Crack prevention and durability.
Rapid changes in temperature, especially during the curing phase, can cause thermal stresses that lead to cracking in the concrete. Controlling the concrete temperature and providing proper curing can help minimise the risk of these cracks, which can compromise the structural integrity of the building. - Uniformity.
Variations in temperature can result in inconsistencies in colour, texture, and surface finish. Hence, it is essential to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the process. After all, you do not want your architectural or decorative concrete masterpiece to look undesirable. - Complying with codes of practice.
As per all industries, the building codes and industry standards also specify temperature requirements for concrete.
According to the AS 1379-2007 Specification and Supply of Concrete, the temperature at the point of delivery should be between 5 and 35 degrees.
Tips on getting the concrete temperature just right
Below are just a few quick tips to help you get the temperature to be just right in any weather condition.
Cold weather
- Prepare the pour site by removing any snow and ice on the ground.
- Start your pour early morning to allow it to soak up as much sun throughout the day.
- Use concrete curing blankets to prevent freezing.
- Use minimal water-to-cement ration to help reduce bleeding and set time.
Hot weather
- Avoid pouring concrete during the midday and afternoon heat.
- Use larger amounts of course aggregate to minimise the risk of the concrete shrinking.
- Use sunshades.
- Ensure you have plenty of hands on deck to keep up with the faster setting time.
Build with concrete confidence.
At NextGen Concrete and Excavation, our concreters are highly experienced and qualified. We carry out each job in accordance with the Safe Work construction code of practice. So, you can rest assured your project is in good hands.
From the initial planning stage to quality assurance and project safety, our management system delivers quality projects to satisfied customers, giving you the confidence that we will provide a quality job. One that we are proud to leave our mark on and complete each project on time, every time.
Contact us today to kick-start your project with concrete confidence.