Assessment of Quality of Fresh Concrete Delivered at Varying Temperatures

Abstract

Concrete is increasingly utilized in the construction field in Southern Nevada. This area has an arid and hot summer and freezing cold winter conditions. These extreme conditions affect the properties of fresh concrete, which can cause cracking. Hot weather conditions may adversely affect both fresh and hardened concrete properties. Even though practices can minimize the detrimental effects, good quality control of fresh concrete, from mixing to finishing, is crucial under hot weather conditions. The objective of the present study is to evaluate the seasonal consistency of concrete quality, considering strength and slump properties. Another objective of this research is to determine the relationship between the seasonal air temperature variations and those of freshly batched concrete. Results indicate that strength and slump remain constant with varying air and concrete temperatures during pour. Additionally, during the hot season (air temperature above 27 °C (80 °F)), fresh concrete’s temperature is lower than the air’s temperature, in contrast during the cold season (air temperature below 16 °C (60 °F)), fresh concrete’s temperature is higher than the air’s temperature. Fresh concrete temperature and air temperature are similar in the range of 60 to 80 °F. Therefore, to limit the use of additional water or admixtures it is recommended to pour concrete when the air temperature is in the range of 16° and 27 °C (60 to 80 °F).