Warming of concrete makes winter construction expedient

The construction of industrial facilities from metal structures nowadays does not stop even for a minute, even in severe northern frosts. This is done by highly skilled builders who have implemented progressive technologies of winter construction, in particular, heating concrete.

So, in the usual mode, according to SNIP, it is possible to perform work on the erection of foundations at a temperature of at least minus five degrees. If the temperature falls below this mark, the builders use other technologies that allow the concrete to harden without consequences in such frosty conditions.

One of these technologies is the heating of concrete due to the heat released directly from the concrete solution used in the construction. For this, hot steam or water, previously heated to ninety degrees Celsius, is used in its production.

The second type of winter construction technology - the effect of the thermos, is to organize a warm formwork around the concrete object. The technology of infrared or electrode heating of the solution is also considered effective for fast setting. For this, tubular heat radiators are used, through which an electric current is conducted. They can be ceramic or quartz. For these methods, you also need a transformer for warming concrete. The following procedure for providing the desired temperature regime for obtaining strong concrete is the use of a heating or thermally active formwork, which includes a wire for heating the concrete.

In Russia, the most widely used technology is the use of chemical additives, which are included in the concrete solution in order to reduce the freezing point so that the concrete sets much earlier than it starts to freeze. Concrete plants consider this technology to be the most profitable for them, because construction companies, without worrying about additional equipment, simply buy a frost-resistant mortar of the brand they need and do not care about the heating of concrete. It's good or bad, it's hard to say.

So far, we only know that in other northern countries, such as Finland and Sweden, construction companies are equipped with special equipment that enables them to choose the way they work with concrete in winter conditions and provide the expected strength level all year round and prevent the swelling effect in winter.

The advantage of winter construction is also in the fact that it is much easier to organize access roads to the object during the winter frosty season. Snow drifts are easily removed by snow-sweepers, snow is rammed and equipment without obstacles associated with slush and washed away rain and shower road, drives necessary materials, equipment and people.

And one more important advantage that makes winter construction expedient, using concrete heating, is a decrease in the total number of construction projects, which means that as a result labor is released , tension, hype and haste are reduced. Objects are erected consistently and more prudently. Companies building their warehouse and production facilities in winter, only win.