Cold Weather Concreting

If concrete freezes during cold weather—or if there is a large differential between the concrete and ambient air temperatures—strength and durability may be jeopardized. To protect against this situation, projects use COMMAND Center™ sensors to monitor internal concrete temperatures in cold weather environments.

Many specifications for cold weather concreting will require that concrete temperatures do not fall below a specified minimum value during placement and curing. The specifications may also require that the concrete temperature be controlled and monitored as forms are removed and during early-age curing so that concrete equilibrates gradually with ambient conditions without causing thermal shock.

In order to meet these specifications, simple thermometers will not do the trick. Instead, construction teams use COMMAND Center™ temperature sensors, which can be embedded in the concrete to continuously measure and record internal concrete temperatures over time.

Failure to ensure that specified requirements are met can lead to premature distress, which can lead to costly repairs or reconstruction. COMMAND Center™ temperature monitoring is a practical and efficient way to ensure your project’s concrete stays within acceptable temperature thresholds.