Co

oncrete
e Techno
ology an
nd Code
es

C t
Concrete
Thermal Control of
 Overview
es
nd Code

 Hot weather concreting

 “External” influences
ology an

 Mass concrete
 “Internal” influences
e Techno
oncrete
Co
Hot Weather Concreting
Definition
ACI 305 Definition:
“Hot
Hot weather is any combination of:
- high air temperature
- high concrete temperature
- low relative humidity
- wind velocityy
- solar radiation

…that tends to impair the quality of

fresh or hardened concrete.”
Hot Weather
C t W
Concrete Workk
Questions You Ask Yourself
During Hot Weather ?

 What are the effects of hot

weather on concrete ?

 Why are these effects important to

the quality of the finished concrete
product?
Hot Weather Concreting Problems –
Fresh properties
 Increased Water
Demand
 Accelerated Slump Loss
 Faster Set Times
 Rapid Water
Evaporation
 Plastic Shrinkage
 Difficulties controllingg
entrained air
 Increased potential for
thermal cracking
Hot Weather Concreting
Problems – Hardened Properties
 Decreased strength
 Drying Shrinkage
 Decreased
Durability
 Increased
Permeability
Evaporation
of Surface
Moisture
from
Concrete

 When the rate of evaporation

exceeds 0.2 lb/ft2 per hour
precautionary measures
should be taken.
 The use of supplementary
cementing materials may
lower this value.
Concrete Temperature

 ACI 211.1 For every 100 lb

Cement expect approximately
10-15oF temperature rise from
Heat of Hydration.
 Use tepidd water ffor curing.
 After curing, let surface dry out
slowly
l l to t reduce
d th
the possibility
ibilit
of crazing or cracking.
Effect of Concrete Temperature on
Water Requirement
Effect of Concrete Temperature
S tti Ti
on Setting Time
Effect of Concrete Temperatures
on Strength
Strength vs. Curing Temperature
Adjust the mix for Hot Weather
 Use of SCMs (fly ash, slag cement)
(Can be a double edged sword)

 Retarders
 Cool concrete materials
 Moisten aggregates
 Cool concrete
 Add plastic fibers
Adjust Placement Practices
 Dampen subgrade
 Reduce the time of
transport, placing and
finishing
 Erect temporary
windbreaks and
sunshades
 Fog over the concrete
immediately after
placing
 Cover concrete
Effect of Temperature of Materials on
Concrete Temperatures
p
0.22(TaMa + TcMc) + TwMw + TwaMwa
T=
0 22(Ma + Mc) + Mw + Mwa
0.22(M

T = temperature of the freshly mixed concrete

concrete, °C
C (°F)
( F)
Ta, Tc, Tw, and Twa = temperature in °C (°F) of aggregates,
cement,, added mixingg water,, and free water on
aggregates, respectively
Ma, Mc, Mw, and Mwa = mass, kg (lb), of aggregates,
cementing
i materials,
i l added
dd d mixing
i i water, andd ffree
water on aggregates, respectively
 Effect of Ice on
Temperature of Concrete
0.22(TaMa + TcMc) + TwMw + TwaMwa – 80Mi
T (ºC) =
0.22(Ma + Mc) + Mw + Mwa + Mi

0.22(TaMa + TcMc) + TwMw + TwaMwa – 112Mi

T (ºF) =
0 22(Ma + Mc) + Mw + Mwa + Mi
0.22(M
Placing & Finishing Concrete in
Hot Weather
 Cool equipment
 Dampen/ cool
- subgrade
- forms
- rebar
 Scheduling: evening or night time
construction
 Windbreaks
 Sunshades
Fogging
gg g
Questions on Hot Weather
Concreting?
What is Mass Concrete?
 What is Mass Concrete?
“Any volume of concrete with dimensions
large enough to require that measures be
taken to cope with generation of heat from
hydration of the cement and attendant
volume change, to minimize cracking.” –
American Concrete Institute (ACI)

• Thick: Foundations, columns,

radiation shielding
shielding, etc
etc.
• Thin: High Performance (HPC),
Self Consolidating Concrete
(SCC), Grout, Patching material
 W ki Definition
Working D fi i i
• Minimum Dimension (Thickness)
– No consensus (2½ ft to 7 ft)
– ACI 301-
301-09 will likely say ≥ 4 ft
• Cement Content
– Usually not considered
– ACI 301-
301-09 will likely recommend
a limit
 Key Considerations
 Maximum temperature
p
 Can reduce strength and durability
 Temperature
p difference
 Can result in thermal cracking
Maximum Temperature
 Often limited
 No consensus between agencies
 Safe limit: 160°F (70°C)
( )
 Delayed Ettringite Formation (DEF)

 Concrete mix
i ddesign
i
 Cement (type and quantity)
 Pozzolans
l ((type and
d percentage))
Delayed Ettringite Formation
(DEF)

 Concrete cured at excessively

high temperatures may
develop p DEF because ettringiteg
decomposes – or does not
form at high temperature.
 Later it forms/reforms after
the concrete is hard, and may
cause expansion.
 DEF iis a tterm th
thatt iis properly
l
applied only to curing at
elevated temperatures. It
d
does nott apply
l tto ambient
bi t
curing.
Expansion of Paste away
from Aggregate
 DEF potential?
 The heat of hydration of cement can
p
raise the concrete temperature to
above 160°F
 The critical temperature for DEF lies
somewhere between 160°F and 195°F
(depends on the cement)
 This is particularly true for cements
with high fineness( > 400m2/kg), high
C3S, high
S hi h C3A,
A and high
d hi h alkali
lk li content.
t t
SO3/Al2O3 ratio > 0.7
Maximum Temperature
 100% Cement
 70/30
/ Blend
l d off
Cement and Fly Ash
 25/75 Blend of
Cement and Slag
Maximum Temperature
Estimation
Max. Temp. = Initial Temp. + Temp. Rise - Loss

 Initial Temperature
 As low as economically practical (Payback of 1:1)

 Temperature rise depends on mix design

 Equivalent cement content

 Loss (Early heat loss)

 Minimal for placement >5 ft thick
 2-6 F per day, depends on R value, dimensions, etc.
 Equivalent Cement
Content
 1lb/yd3 of cement = 1 lb/yd3 equiv. cement
 1 lb/yd3 of Class F ash = 0.5 lb/yd3 equiv. cement
 lb/ d3 off Cl
1 lb/yd Class C ash
h=00.8
8 lb/ d3 equiv.
lb/yd i cementt
 1 lb/yd3 of Slag (50%) = 0.9 lb/yd3 equiv. cement
 1 lb/yd3 of Slab (75%) = 0 8 lb/yd3 equiv.
0.8 equiv cement

 Temperature
p Rise in Concrete
 16°F per 100 lb/yd3 equiv. cement
 For example
example…
Concrete Foundation
400 lb/yd3 cement and 200 lb/yd3 class F fly ash
70°F delivered concrete
6 ft thick
Equivalent cement = 400 + 0.5*200 = 500 lb/yd3
Temperature
p Rise = 500*16/100 = 80°F
Maximum Temperature = 80+70-0 = 150°F
Temperature Difference
Limited to minimize (or prevent) thermal cracking

Temperature difference between interior and surface

Crack width is a function of the temperature difference

Thermal Cracking
 Undesirable, but sometimes unavoidable
 Mostly a durability concern
 Severe can be a structural issue
 “Tolerable” limits in ACI 224R
E
Extreme Th
Thermall C ki
Cracking
More Extreme Thermal
Cracking
Somewhat Extreme Thermal
Cracking
T i l Th
Typical Thermall C ki
Cracking
More Typical Thermal
Cracking
Temperature Difference Limits
 Often limited to a maximum of 35°F
 Generalized “rule-of-thumb”
 Worked for unreinforced dams in
E
Europe 75+ years ago
 May not prevent thermal cracking

 Extends construction time

 Stepped limit
 Steps up with age (35
(35-45-60°F)
45 60°F)
 Shortens construction time

 Can lead to thermal cracking

 Tailored limit
Tailored Temperature
ff
Difference
 Calculation based on ACI 207.2R
 Performance-based approach
 Acco nts for concrete’s ability
Accounts abilit to
withstand higher thermal stresses as
in-place strength increases
 Based on concrete properties
 Based on structure and design
 Can be used to prevent cracking or
limit crack widths
 Temperature Difference
(
(cont.)
)
80
Diff., °F

70
60
Alllowable Temp. D

50
40
30
20 Calculated (Example)
10 Specified 35°F
35 F
0
0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000
In-Place Compressive Strength, psi
Temperature
p Difference and
Time Savings

180

160
Temperaturre, °F

140

120
Calculated dT
100
35°F dT
80

60
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
Time, Days
 Temperature Control
Strategies - Use a Reduced
Heat Concrete
180 Type I with No Pozzolans
Type II with No Pozzolans
160
 Type I/II, II or V Cement Type I with 25% Fly Ash

T e m p e r a tu r e , °F
Type II with 25% Fly Ash
140

 Slag Cement 120

100
 50% to 75% replacement 80
 Fly Ash (Class F) 60
0 5 10 15 20 25 30
 25% to 40% replacement Time, Days

Recall that:
1lb/yd3 of cement = 1 lb/yd3 equiv. cement
1 lb/yd3 of Class F ash = 0.5 lb/yd3 equiv. cement
lb/ d3 off Class
1 lb/yd l C ash h = 0.8 lb/ d3 equiv. cement
lb/yd
1 lb/yd3 of Slag (50%) = 0.9 lb/yd3 equiv. cement
1 lb/yd3 of Slab (75%) = 0.8 lb/yd3 equiv. cement
Temperature Control Strategies
l
– Place C
Concrete iin Lifts
if
 Thick placements take a long time to cool
 Multiple distinct placements
 Thin lifts allow early heat loss
 Reduced maximum temperature
 Faster cooling
 Temperature Control
Strategies – Precool the
Concrete
 Precool aggregates
 Evaporative cooling is a very low
cost solution
 Chilled mix water
 Low cost (need chiller plant)
 Max. reduction of about 5°F
 Substitute ice for mix water
 More expensive
 Can be labor intensive
 Max. reduction of about 20°F
 Temperature Control
Strategies – Precool the
Concrete (Cont.)
 Liquid Nitrogen (LN2)
 Can re-cool concrete
multiple times
 Adds time and drum
rotations
 Cool onsite or at batch
plant
 Can be expensive
 Can be dangerous
 Temperature Control
l Pipes
Strategies – Cooling
 Remove internal heat after
concrete placed
 Reduces maximum temperature
p
 Reduces cooling time
 ¾” plastic cooling pipes
 Grouted afterwards
 Temperature Control
l Pipes
Strategies – Cooling
 Large supply of natural water
(river, lake, ocean, ground water)
 Chiller
Temperature Control Strategies
– Insulation
 Insulation retains surface
heat to control the
temperature difference
 Necessary in summer
and winter
 Things to Avoid

 Water Curing
 Improper Insulation
 Early Removal of
Insulation
Example: 10 ft dia.
dia column

 Performance specifications
 674 pcy minimum cementitious
 150°F maximum temperature
 No thermal cracking
 Tailored temperature
p difference
Example (cont
(cont.))
 Specially designed
concrete
 Tight Schedule
 Used Cooling Pipes
 Used Maturity
 150
Ambient Air Centerline

Example
p ((cont.)) 130
Surface
Water Outlet
Water Inlet

Temperature, °F
110

 Using Calculated temp. 90

d ff
difference, Columns
l

T
70

sufficiently cool in 5 to 6
50
y
days 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Time, Days

• If 20°
20°C(35
C(35°°F) temp differential
specified…
– cooling time increased by 50%
– could not meet spec without cooling
pipes
Example:
C l
Column Analysis
A l i
Concrete at Top C
L
Full-height Cooling Pipe (4 total)
of Column

Concrete in the
Bottom Half of Hoop/Tie Reinforcing
the Column (not all shown)

Manifolds

C
L Supply
Pump

C
L

Discharge

Plan View of the Column

(not to scale)
 Temperature, °F

155
150
145
140
135
130
125
120
115
110
105
100
95
90
85
80
75
70

Day = 0
Assumed Placement Conditions
Concrete Mix No. 1 with 330 pcy slag and 330 pcy cement Temperature, °F
Cooling Pipes Installed and Operated
Average Air Temperature = 70°F 155
Initial Concrete Temperature = 80°F 150
Cooling Water Temperature = 70°F
145
R-2.8 Surface Insulation
140
135
130
125
120
115
110
105
100
95
90
85
80
75
Predicted Temperatures (See Drawing No. 3 for Thermocouple Locations) 70
Center Thermocouple = 137°F
S f
Surface Thermocouple
Th l = 123°F
Pipe Thermocouple = 117°F
Largest Temp. Diff. = 20°F Day = 1
Assumed Placement Conditions
Concrete Mix No. 1 with 330 pcy slag and 330 pcy cement Temperature, °F
Cooling Pipes Installed and Operated
Average Air Temperature = 70°F 155
Initial Concrete Temperature = 80°F 150
Cooling Water Temperature = 70°F
145
R-2.8 Surface Insulation
140
135
130
125
120
115
110
105
100
95
90
85
80
75
Predicted Temperatures (See Drawing No. 3 for Thermocouple Locations) 70
Center Thermocouple = 150°F
S f
Surface Thermocouple
Th l = 129°F
Pipe Thermocouple = 124°F
Largest Temp. Diff. = 26°F Day = 2
Assumed Placement Conditions
Concrete Mix No. 1 with 330 pcy slag and 330 pcy cement Temperature, °F
Cooling Pipes Installed and Operated
Average Air Temperature = 70°F 155
Initial Concrete Temperature = 80°F 150
Cooling Water Temperature = 70°F
145
R-2.8 Surface Insulation
140
135
130
125
120
115
110
105
100
95
90
85
80
75
Predicted Temperatures (See Drawing No. 3 for Thermocouple Locations) 70
Center Thermocouple = 146°F
S f
Surface Thermocouple
Th l = 123°F
Pipe Thermocouple = 121°F
Largest Temp. Diff. = 25°F Day = 3
Assumed Placement Conditions
Concrete Mix No. 1 with 330 pcy slag and 330 pcy cement Temperature, °F
Cooling Pipes Installed and Operated
Average Air Temperature = 70°F 155
Initial Concrete Temperature = 80°F 150
Cooling Water Temperature = 70°F
145
R-2.8 Surface Insulation
140
135
130
125
120
115
110
105
100
95
90
85
80
75
Predicted Temperatures (See Drawing No. 3 for Thermocouple Locations) 70
Center Thermocouple = 139°F
S f
Surface Thermocouple
Th l = 116°F
Pipe Thermocouple = 116°F
Largest Temp. Diff. = 23°F Day = 4
Assumed Placement Conditions
Concrete Mix No. 1 with 330 pcy slag and 330 pcy cement Temperature, °F
Cooling Pipes Installed and Operated
Average Air Temperature = 70°F 155
Initial Concrete Temperature = 80°F 150
Cooling Water Temperature = 70°F
145
R-2.8 Surface Insulation
140
135
130
125
120
115
110
105
100
95
90
85
80
75
Predicted Temperatures (See Drawing No. 3 for Thermocouple Locations) 70
Center Thermocouple = 131°F
S f
Surface Thermocouple
Th l = 109°F
Pipe Thermocouple = 111°F
Largest Temp. Diff. = 21°F Day = 5
Assumed Placement Conditions
Concrete Mix No. 1 with 330 pcy slag and 330 pcy cement Temperature, °F
Cooling Pipes Installed and Operated
Average Air Temperature = 70°F 155
Initial Concrete Temperature = 80°F 150
Cooling Water Temperature = 70°F
145
R-2.8 Surface Insulation
140
135
130
125
120
115
110
105
100
95
90
85
80
75
Predicted Temperatures (See Drawing No. 3 for Thermocouple Locations) 70
Center Thermocouple = 123°F
S f
Surface Thermocouple
Th l = 104°F
Pipe Thermocouple = 106°F
Largest Temp. Diff. = 19°F Day = 6
Assumed Placement Conditions
Concrete Mix No. 1 with 330 pcy slag and 330 pcy cement Temperature, °F
Cooling Pipes Installed and Operated
Average Air Temperature = 70°F 155
Initial Concrete Temperature = 80°F 150
Cooling Water Temperature = 70°F
145
R-2.8 Surface Insulation
140
135
130
125
120
115
110
105
100
95
90
85
80
75
Predicted Temperatures (See Drawing No. 3 for Thermocouple Locations) 70
Center Thermocouple = 116°F
S f
Surface Thermocouple
Th l = 99°F
Pipe Thermocouple = 101°F
Largest Temp. Diff. = 17°F Day = 7
Assumed Placement Conditions
Concrete Mix No. 1 with 330 pcy slag and 330 pcy cement Temperature, °F
Cooling Pipes Installed and Operated
Average Air Temperature = 70°F 155
Initial Concrete Temperature = 80°F 150
Cooling Water Temperature = 70°F
145
R-2.8 Surface Insulation
140
135
130
125
120
115
110
105
100
95
90
85
80
75
Predicted Temperatures (See Drawing No. 3 for Thermocouple Locations) 70
Center Thermocouple = 110°F
S f
Surface Thermocouple
Th l = 95°F
Pipe Thermocouple = 97°F
Largest Temp. Diff. = 15°F Day = 8
Inspector’s Guide to Mass
f
Concrete – Before l
Placement
 Read contractor’s thermal control plan
 Identify initial concrete temperature limit
 Identify other rejection criteria
 Verify cylinder storage area
 Verify placement equipment
 Schedule p personnel and duties
 Verify installed temperature sensors
 Verifyy operation
p of coolingg pipes
p p ((if used))
 Thermal Control Plan
( )
(TCP)
 Submittal item
 Must be approved before placement
 Demonstrates contractor’s methods to
 Comply with mass concrete specifications
 Ensure maximum temperature under 160°F (or
specified limit)
 Minimize/prevent
Mi i i / thermal
h l cracking
ki ((states a
temperature difference limit)
 Ensure proper curing
 Contents of a TCP
 Specification Requirements
 Concrete Placements covered by TCP
 Concrete Mix Design
 Predicted Temperatures in Placements
 Assumptions used
 Temperature ranges (air, concrete, etc).

 Prediction method

 Anticipated results
 (cont )
Contents of a TCP (cont.)
 Construction Practices
 Placement method (pump, etc.)
 Rejection temperature for delivered concrete

 Curing method

 Insulation (materials and installation)

 Cooling pipe details (if used)

Materials
Installation
Operation
 (cont )
Contents of a TCP (cont.)
 Construction practices (cont.)
 Temperature monitoring
Equipment
Frequency
Reporting
R ti
 Corrective measures
 Completion criteria
riteria
 Prepour Temperature Sensor
f
Verification
 Correct equipment
q p and locations
 Per the thermal control plan
 Typically at center of mass of placement

 2-3” below surface (top or side)

 Away from pipes, piles, etc.

 Backup sensors

 Functioning (good data)

 Wires protected
Prepour Cooling Pipe
f
Verification
 Proper
p locations
 Per the thermal control plan
 Uniform layout

 Water flows through all pipes

 No leaks
 Flow rate
Inspector’s Guide to Mass
l
Concrete – During Placement
 Verify fresh properties
 Verify concrete temperature within limit
 Verify proper vibration
 Form pressure issues?
 Watch cooling pipes and temperature
sensors
 Revibration
 Finishing
 Curing
Inspector’s Guide to Mass
Concrete – During Thermal
Control Period
 Fully insulated concrete and formwork
 Cooling pipes operating properly
 All temperatures within limit
 Temperature differences within limit
 Contractor adjustments, if necessary
Inspector’s Guide to Mass
Concrete – After Thermal
Control is Complete
 Cooling pipes grouted, cut below surface
and patched
 No thermal cracking
 Repairs (if necessary)
Summary
 Concrete gets hot!!
 Extra measures are needed to
prevent excessive temperatures
and temperature differences.
 Many approaches to thermal
control
t l
 Insulation always needed
 Temperature sensors for
verification of thermal control
Questions on Mass
Concrete?