Winter is Coming: Concrete Pumping at Cold Temperatures

In this article, we will examine the concrete pumping process in cold weather under two subheadings. First, we will discuss how the physical properties of concrete are affected during the winter months. Next, we will touch on the efficiency of concrete pumping in cold weather.   HOW IS CONCRETE PHYSICALLY AFFECTED IN COLD WEATHER?   There are three factors in the maturation process of concrete. These are cement-to-water ratio, time and temperature. When talking about temperature, we always refer to concrete temperature. It is easy to adjust the concrete rate and time, but it is difficult to keep the temperature of the concrete at a desired level. As we mentioned in our previous article, cement-water ratio plays an important role in the final compression capacity of concrete. Likewise, as the concrete temperature decreases during the concrete curing process, the maturation time of the concrete increases. Although the increase in time seems to be an undesirable situation at first, the coldness boosts compressive strength considerably. However, concrete temperature has a lower limit. If concrete is cured at 10 ° C and below, the maturation time increases exponentially. At 5 ° C and below, the maturation period extends the maturation process to an impossible level. In addition, concrete can become useless if water in the mixture freezes.   HOW SHOULD CONCRETE PUMP BE USED IN WINTER?   As in all hydraulic machines, the viscosity of the hydraulic oil used in concrete pumps varies depending on the ambient temperature. Viscosity indexed oil change should be made according to outdoor temperatures. If it is not sufficient, hydraulic tank heaters must be utilized. Furthermore, pumps must operate simple movements before pumping process (for example, by starting the concrete mixer motor) until the oil temperature reaches the appropriate viscosity temperature for the pumps. Starting concrete pumping directly without heating the oil might cause damage to expensive axial piston hydraulic pumps due to cavitation.