Why is heating concrete in winter are needed: 7 ways

Construction projects can face considerable difficulties during the winter, particularly when it comes to concrete pouring. The curing process can be slowed down by cold weather, which could result in structures that are weak and cracked. Because of this, heating concrete is a necessary procedure in colder regions.

The water in the concrete mixture may freeze in colder weather, causing expansion and weakening the structure as a whole. When concrete is heated properly, it cures at the ideal rate and keeps its strength and durability.

Concrete can be kept warm in the winter using a variety of techniques. Depending on the demands and environmental factors of the project, each approach has a unique set of benefits and applications.

How is construction in winter?

Owing to the physical characteristics of different building materials, cold temperatures, and precipitation, winter construction necessitates adherence to specific technologies, regulations, and protocols in order to attain the necessary level of quality.

Concrete compositions are used in all construction facilities. Virtually every stage of the work process uses them. Along with this:

  • Foundation concreting.
  • Making monolithic supports.
  • Installation of inter -story ceilings and t. D.

However, as you are aware, water is a component of all concrete mixtures, which makes work considerably more difficult in the winter. Many challenges arise from the need to prevent its freezing (crystallization), but they are manageable given the capabilities of contemporary concreting technologies.

How can concrete be utilized throughout the winter without losing its designated uses and qualities? The solution is straightforward: until the concrete solution reaches the design strength, it must be heated in accordance with the specified parameters and kept at a positive temperature.

How to warm up concrete?

The selection of technologies for wintertime concrete heating is based on multiple factors:

  • Area of ​​the facility;
  • Region;
  • Accessibility to utility networks (gas, electricity);
  • Material and technical support of the contractor;
  • Landscape at the construction site.

We can highlight the most popular techniques and tools for heating concrete by using statistics.

  • Electric heating of concrete (with a heating wire made of steel, electrodes);
  • Infrared;
  • Thermos effect;
  • Induction heating;
  • Shelter and heat guns;
  • Thermal mats .

Let’s examine these choices in more detail.

Heating wire

The most popular, economical (requiring little out-of-pocket expenses), and highly efficient form of electric heating during the winter months is this one, which even someone with no prior construction experience can manage. Pulling the heating cable yourself can help you save money on your house construction budget after reading through a few articles, watching a few videos, and speaking with an expert. However, it is best to hire professionals for this task.

Its essence is as follows. A wire for heating the mixture is laid on a frame made of reinforcement mounted in the formwork or trench (a steel PNSV wire with a diameter of 1.2 mm. – 3 mm.is most often used). The method of laying resembles the installation of underfloor heating pipes. These should be coils of a snake at a distance of 20-25 cm. from each other. It is necessary to release the ends beyond the edge of the formwork, at least 10 cm., for connecting a step-down transformer or welding. The connection is made strictly after pouring, otherwise the wire, without the ability to dissipate heat, will burn out. Despite all the simplicity, the method is very effective and is used both in individual housing construction and at large facilities.

Electrodes

Concrete electrode heating is more expensive than using a warming cable. It is associated with:

  • A large consumption of electricity (as it dries, its resistance increases, which entails an increase in electricity consumption);
  • With the need to use more powerful step-down devices (for example, an 80 kW device, when using a heating cable, will heat 90 m3, and the use of electrodes will heat up only a small part of this volume);
  • With the need to purchase electrodes (wire rod 8-10 mm.), which remain in the structure.

Furthermore, this technique works better for walls and columns and is less useful for horizontal structures like floor slabs.

The physical characteristics of electricity, which release heat when they move through a humid atmosphere, serve as the foundation for its working theory.

Depending on the object’s geometry and the surrounding temperature, electrodes are poured into the solution and placed between 0.6 and 1 meter apart after that. The row’s first and last electrodes are linked to the first phase, while the remaining electrodes are connected to the second and third. Heat is dispersed equally between the electrodes by the current flowing between them, preventing freezing.

Plate electrodes are present. They have a somewhat different installation. They are attached to various phases and hung on the exterior of the wall across from one another. The mixture heats up as a result of the electric field that forms between the plates.

When heating concrete electrically during the winter in humid conditions, safety regulations must be strictly followed. There is a very real chance of receiving an electric shock.

Infrared heating

Utilizing infrared radiation is an additional method of preventing the crystallization of water. The technique uses less energy, but because of its limited impact, a certain number of these units will be required, which will not be profitable for the developer because industrial units are expensive. The technique works well in the structure’s tight spaces. One of the drawbacks is that using a solution thicker than 50–70 cm is inefficient.

This method has the right to exist because of its high efficiency, versatility (it can connect from 220-380 V), lack of additional equipment (transformer, electrodes, wires), and ease of installation.

The underlying idea is straightforward. The mixture is heated when current flows through the device’s heating elements, releasing energy in the infrared spectrum.

Water evaporation is slowed down by the polyethylene covering the structure. Both the emitter and the distance between the device and the treatment site can be adjusted to control the power.

The thermos method

The thermos method is widely used in small-scale industrial facilities and individual home construction because of its simplicity. It is used in conjunction with other types (using electricity or additives) on large sites.

After the heated solution is poured into the formwork at the factory, it is promptly covered with thermal insulation that has been previously prepared. The cooling solution releases up to 80 kilocalories of heat per kilogram of mass due to the hydration effect, which results in the "warming up of the already heated composition." The composition’s strength is increased by even and gradual cooling.

The capacity to create thermal insulation on your own using low-cost materials provides the financial advantage. Adequate application of sawdust or straw.

Induction heating

Due to its limitations and the need for intricate calculations, induction heating of concrete is not widely used. It is typically used to heat objects like:

  • Beams;
  • Rigel;
  • Columns, supports, etc.d.

It does, however, also have a lot of advantageous qualities:

  • Economically beneficial (not high cost);
  • Uniform heat distribution over the entire area;
  • Not "attached" to the electrophysical properties of the cement-sand composition.

Turns are made in an isolated wire around the necessary element. It creates an electromagnetic field when electricity is applied, and this field is then transformed into thermal energy inside a steel core or formwork.

Shelter and heat guns

A general technique that is typically applied in locations without a reliable electrical connection or far from utility networks (field). The creation is the basis for it, and airtight materials (tarpaulin, dense polyethylene, etc.) are used. d.), a tent that is erected over the concreted area and has air conditioning installed via heat generators that warm the concrete. (Gas or Diesel Guns).

The method is popular, but labor-intensive and expensive. It is necessary to have expensive equipment, purchase materials for the structure (timber, tarpaulin) and fuel.

Thermal mats

It is safe to say that using thermal mats during the concrete production process is a universal, contemporary, and expert method. It offers several benefits.

  • Ease and simplicity of use;
  • Automation of the entire process (the solution temperature is controlled automatically);
  • Possibility of application to any form of structure (most effective on large horizontal areas, when pouring a concrete floor slab, heating the floor screed solution, etc. d.);
  • Rapid strength gain of the solution (12 hours – 70%).

Their expensive price (which translates to high-end, expert mats) is the only drawback. The manufacturer’s use of this tool demonstrates his business acumen and professionalism.

Other methods

Apart from the aforementioned heating techniques, a few more can be identified:

  • Special anti-freeze additives are added to the solution to prevent water crystallization (for maximum results, used in conjunction with electric heating);
  • Formwork with heating elements is used (formwork with heating elements) – convenient, professional, fast. A fly in the ointment – high cost, difficult to use on non-standard shaped objects (has certain, typical dimensions);
  • The steaming method is used – only in industry. It involves the presence of a special, double-walled formwork, into which hot steam is supplied. An ideal method for high-quality hydration of cement (hot, humid environment), but due to the complexity of application, it is used extremely rarely.

Reason Method
Prevent freezing Use heaters
Speed up curing Blanket insulation
Ensure strength Heated forms
Avoid cracks Heating cables
Maintain workability Steam heating
Improve quality Warm water mixing
Meet deadlines Temporary enclosures

For concrete to be strong and durable, it must be heated in the winter. Cold weather can impede the curing process, making the concrete weaker and more prone to structural problems like cracks. It is possible for concrete to cure properly and obtain the appropriate stability and hardness by keeping it in a warm environment.

Heat-resistant formwork, electric heaters, and heating blankets are a few efficient ways to heat concrete. Every approach has benefits of its own and can be selected according to the particular requirements of the project as well as the surrounding circumstances.

Throughout the curing process, it’s crucial to keep an eye on the concrete’s temperature to make sure it stays within the ideal range. This meticulous attention to detail increases the longevity of the concrete structure and results in a high-quality finish.

You can avoid potential issues and make sure that your concrete projects endure over time, even in the worst winter weather, by being aware of and putting these techniques into practice.

Wintertime heating of concrete is essential because low temperatures can cause a substantial delay in the curing process, resulting in weakened structures and possible safety hazards. Concrete can be strengthened and preserved to its maximum potential by utilizing techniques such as chemical accelerators, insulated blankets, and heated enclosures. By avoiding freezing and preserving the required temperature for curing, these methods help guarantee a durable and superior finish.

Video on the topic

Heating up concrete in winter, PNSV cable, TSDZ-80 transformer, heating equipment

Concrete in WINTER: How to CORRECTLY pour, warm up and care for concrete!

Heating up concrete. Easy on your fingers.

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Dmitry Sokolov

Chief engineer in a large construction company. I have extensive experience in managing construction projects and implementing modern technologies.

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