What is the minimum and maximum temperature of concrete?

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Concrete Temperature Limits
Least dimensions of sections, cm Minimum temperature of concrete as placed and maintained during the protection period, °C
Less than 30.48 12.77
30.48 to less than 91.44 10
91.44 to less than 182.88 7.22
Greater than 182.88 4.44



Likewise, what is the minimum temperature of concrete?

Generally, a concrete temperature is limited to 70°C (160°F) during hydration.

Also, what temperature is too cold for concrete? Experts agree that the best temperature to pour concrete is between 50-60 °F. The necessary chemical reactions that set and strengthen concrete slow significantly below 50 °F and are almost non-existent below 40 °F.

In this way, what is the maximum temperature of concrete?

Q.: Some concrete specifications contain a maximum temperature for the freshly mixed concrete as delivered. Typical values are between 80° and 95° F as measured by ASTM C 1064-86.

How do you calculate the temperature of concrete?

The formulas used to determine concrete temperatures are shown below:

  1. Cold Weather. T = [0.22(TsWs + TaWa + TcWc) + TwWw]
  2. Hot Weather. T = [0.22(TsWs + TaWa + TcWc) + TwWw ¡
  3. Transportation Temperature Factors. For revolving drum mixers.
  4. A better way.
  5. Example 1: Cold Weather Application.
  6. Example 2: Hot Weather Application.

35 Related Question Answers Found

Is RMC a code?

As per Indian Standard code of practice (IS 4926) Ready Mixed Concrete (RMC) is defined as the concrete delivered in plastic condition and requiring no further treatment before being placed in position in which it is to set and harden.

Does temperature affect concrete?

Effect of High Temperatures on Concrete. Abrupt temperature changes can cause cracking and spalling due to thermal shock, and aggregate expansion can also produce distress within the concrete. High temperatures also affect the compressive strength of concrete.

How is concrete temperature controlled?

4 Tips for Controlling Concrete Temperature in Cold Weather
Use Insulation: Like heating blankets, this allow you to control temperature differentials between the core and the surface of your slab. Cool Concrete Before Placement: This can be done using chilled water, chipped or shaved ice, or liquid nitrogen.

Will concrete cure at 30 degrees?

Cold Weather Concrete Tips. You can pour in cold weather, as long as certain precautions are taken. Concrete set time at 70 degrees is approximately 5 hours, at 50 degrees it is 10 hours, at 30 degrees it's up to 20 hours (if the concrete doesn't freeze!).

What is cold weather concrete?


Cold weather is defined as a period when the average daily temperature falls below 40°F [4°C] for more than three successive days. Low concrete temperature has a major effect on the rate of cement hydration, which results in slower setting and rate of strength gain.

Why slump test is done?

The concrete slump test measures the consistency of fresh concrete before it sets. It is performed to check the workability of freshly made concrete, and therefore the ease with which concrete flows. The slump test is used to ensure uniformity for different loads of concrete under field conditions.

What is minimum and maximum temperature?

MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE: The definition of maximum is the largest number or highest number of something that is permissible or possible. MINIMUM TEMPERATURE: The lowest temperature recorded—diurnally, monthly, seasonally, or annually, or the lowest temperature of the entire record.

How fast does concrete set up?

Curing Time for Concrete
In standard industrial cases, full strength concrete is recognized at 28 days. At seven days, you should have concrete that is cured to 70% full strength or greater. But to answer the question of, “How long does concrete take to set?” concrete setting time is generally 24 to 48 hours.

Can you melt concrete?

Concrete can be melted by using an "iron lance" which burns iron rods with oxygen to produce enough heat to melt concrete.

What is the best temperature for concrete to cure?


Whether the conditions are hot or freezing, the ideal concrete curing temperature should be maintained at about 55°F to achieve the optimum concrete strength.

Does concrete absorb heat?

Concrete has a high thermal mass with properties similar to brick and stone. It is possible to absorb heat from the atmosphere in warm weather and release it during cooler periods, e.g. overnight. This is known as the 'thermal flywheel' effect.

How is concrete made?

Concrete is a composite material composed of fine and coarse aggregate bonded together with a fluid cement (cement paste) that hardens (cures) over time. When aggregate is mixed with dry Portland cement and water, the mixture forms a fluid slurry that is easily poured and molded into shape.

What is cement made of?

Cement is manufactured through a closely controlled chemical combination of calcium, silicon, aluminum, iron and other ingredients. Common materials used to manufacture cement include limestone, shells, and chalk or marl combined with shale, clay, slate, blast furnace slag, silica sand, and iron ore.

What is ACI 301?

ACI 301 is a re f e rence standard which the engineer. or architect may make applicable to any building project by citing it in the project specifications. He sup- plements it as needed by designating or specifying indi- vidual project requirements.

Is concrete endothermic or exothermic?


The reactions that cause setting and hardening are collectively described as exothermic hydration reactions. The reaction of portland cement compounds with water is exothermic; that is, heat is generated from the reaction. The average is 120 calories per gram during complete hydration of the cement.

Can you pour concrete directly on dirt?

Prepare the dirt before pouring concrete. If you are constructing a patio, shed or a sidewalk, the process often starts with pouring a solid concrete base to provide sturdy support. Home owners can accomplish the task themselves by pouring the concrete directly on the ground in the installation area.

What is the minimum temperature you can lay concrete?

The air temperature should be at least 3 degrees, and this is because the key when pouring concrete is to avoid ice forming within the mix as this will compromise the strength of the concrete. Further to this, you should never pour on top of ice or frost either.