How do we reduce the temperature influence of ready-mixed concrete mix plant?
Basically you must add additive
1. For Cold Weather
Hot water-Your ready mixed concrete producer will usually have, and use, hot water in the concrete when the weather turns cold. Most producers will try to have the concrete be at least 65°F when it leaves the plant, which is generally good enough depending on air temperature and thickness of the concrete element.
Specify the slump at less than 4 inches and use air entrained concrete to reduce bleeding.
Accelerators-Since colder weather leads to colder concrete, the set time can be delayed. Accelerators added to the concrete can keep it on schedule. Addition of 2% (by weight of cement) of calcium chloride is the traditional way to accelerate the hydration reaction-it is very effective and reasonably cheap. But-a big but-that much chloride can lead to corrosion of any steel embedded in the concrete (like rebar) and it can lead to a mottled surface appearance with colored concrete.
Nonchloride accelerators are widely available and are very effective. They won't discolor the concrete but they are a bit expensive. Don't make the mistake of thinking that accelerators are anti-freeze agents-they are not, they simply increase the rate of the hydration reaction.
Fly ash-You should typically stay away from using fly ash or slag cement in cold weather, since those materials set up more slowly and generate less internal heat; slag can cause the same effect.
To make the reaction a bit hotter, the ready mix producer can add some extra cement (typically an extra 100 pounds per cubic yard) or can use Type III (high-early strength) cement, which hydrates more rapidly.
Be careful with water reducers in cold weather, since they can slow the set time. Besides, you seldom need water reduction with cooler concrete since the cooler temperatures prevent slump loss.
2. For Hot Weather
Retarder additive to delay concrete setting time
Hydration controlling admixtures are available-find Concrete Admixture Suppliers. Ready mix producers can add this material to delay set by up to 5 hours (long haul delivery)
Another way to slow set times is by using fly ash for part of the cementitious material.
Zhenheng Machinery, 38-years manufacturer experience, provides efficient solutions in concrete production industry.
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