Date of Award
Winter 2010
Project Type
Thesis
Program or Major
Civil Engineering
Degree Name
Master of Science
First Advisor
David L Gress
Abstract
Placing concrete in cold weather is conventionally performed using external devices such as heaters or insulated forms to protect fresh concrete from freezing temperatures. Such practices imbed excessive carbon and result in an undesirable carbon footprint. The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of casting concrete in cold weather using chemical admixtures instead of hydrocarbons or expensive insulating blankets so construction can continue during the winter season in the Northern Tier States. Several innovative tests were performed to evaluate the properties and performance of cold weather concrete created with chemical admixtures.
Results indicate adequate concrete strength can be attained through the use of chemical admixtures without the use of any heating or insulating and construction can be accomplished in the winter. However, due to less than desirable air void characteristics, resistance to cycles of freezing and thawing in an adverse environment may be problematic.
Recommended Citation
Farrin, Cris-Hawk, "Cold weather concreting" (2010). Master's Theses and Capstones. 603.
https://scholars.unh.edu/thesis/603