Anyone in a position of responsibility in the city may encounter issues that need bridge improvements, dam repairs, or historic restorations. Even if you are a business or household owner, you have issues that need to be improved or maintained with shotcrete services.
But experiencing infrastructure problems in cold weather requires careful attention to the application of shotcrete to have a high-quality production rate and results.
So let's start giving you the information you need to make sure shotcrete doesn't freeze in cold weather.
What do you need to know about shotcrete?
Certain factors affect concrete in cold weather. You need to know these factors before asking the shotcrete contractor to start working on the infrastructure. Because knowing these factors will give a clear idea. On how to protect your shotcrete application from freezing.
These three factors are the results of cold weather affecting concreting. First of all, you need to protect the newly placed shotcrete from early freezing. Then, it is necessary to ensure adequate development of resistance. Finally, it must be ensured that the concrete is free from thermal shock and cracks at the end of the protection period.
Furthermore, it is not necessary to avoid pouring the head in winter, but it is important to take adequate protection because pouring shotcrete in winter is best to have a stronger result. Not like concrete poured in hot weather, thanks to slow curing.
But if you are working on exterior sprayed concrete installations. You should stop working at temperatures below 20 degrees Fahrenheit because hydration stops completely at these temperatures.
Read: 6 common myths about shotcrete
Tips for pouring shotcrete in winter
When applying shotcrete in cold weather, pay attention to the tips mentioned below. So pouring and placing can help concrete set and cure properly in cold weather:
- Be sure to properly position crews on the job site for a longer period of time, as shotcrete exposed in cold weather takes longer to reach an initial set.
- Use windbreaks as they can help protect the concrete. And workers from strong and cold winds.
- It is also essential to use a heated enclosure which can be made of wood or polyethylene sheet. This will help maintain the correct temperature for the shotcrete.
What concrete experts aim for when pouring and commissioning shotcrete in winter. is to apply the shotcrete under a temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit. And keep it for the appropriate time for each type of concrete and its intended use.
Tips for curing shotcrete in winter
There are techniques that shotcrete companies use during the curing process. To protect sprayed concrete paint from the effects of cold. And ensure that the concrete achieves the greatest strength:
- Maintain heat as we mentioned above to prevent the concrete from drying too quickly.
- Pay special attention to the corners and edges, as they are the most vulnerable, and the forms will help you during the heat release process.
- Continuously pumping around the concrete will prevent it from drying out too quickly in the low humidity conditions that are common in winter.
- Shotcrete poured and placed in winter has a much slower setting and hardening time; the bleeding process will begin later than expected. So be prepared to handle more purge water than usual during normal concrete placement.
- You need to indicate the temperature of the concrete using an infrared temperature gun. Make sure the shotcrete maintains a temperature of at least 40 degrees for the hardened part.
- When active heating is completed, you should follow the protection method to prevent concrete from freezing quickly by lowering temperatures in a section. Or by covering the concrete application with insulating blankets.
- Be sure to cure the concrete for the recommended time for the type of concrete being used.
- Also be sure to protect the newly hardened concrete by applying a coat of sealer. To prevent outside water from penetrating the concrete. Because sealants extend the shotcrete, they will last a long time and reduce the risk of cracking due to curing. And in extremely cold regions, a breathable concrete sealer should be used. This allows moisture to evaporate.
The bottom line
Pre-planning is the key to successful cold weather shotcrete application when you develop a new concreting plan.
You must consider these goals which protect the strength of concrete against early freezing. Additionally, care must be taken to properly gain strength and protection against thermal shock and cracking.
So, you need to hire the best concrete contractors in Calgary. To ensure you have the best shotcrete services in building artistic ideas to life from art pieces to foundation walls. With expert shotcrete contractors who will save you time and expenses.