Concrete heating in winter: the method of "thermos". the use

As is known, it is prohibited to carry out work on pouring monolithic structures at negative temperatures with SNiP norms, since the material deforms when water freezes in the structure, as a result of which its strength is significantly reduced, which is highly undesirable. It is especially important to ensure optimal conditions in the process of setting the material. You can use electricity and steam, and you can carry out heating of the concrete with infrared rays.

The choice of one or another option depends on many factors, so the decision is always for the customer. The main thing is to weigh the pros and cons of each of the methods.

Concrete heating methods

It is worth noting that there are a number of ways, and each of them has its own characteristics. Let us consider in more detail the most popular and widely used options.

Thermos Method

This option is in demand mainly because of its simplicity. You do not need special equipment and fixtures, do not need complicated instructions for installing heating circuits, everything is much simpler. When mixing concrete, special components are added to the composition, with which the solution can gain strength even at low temperatures.

The essence of this technique lies in the following factors:

• At the preparation stage, all the components of the concrete are heated, and the composition is supplied warm, it is also desirable that the formwork is heated. The whole structure is also carefully insulated, for this a variety of materials can be used, the main thing is that the heat in the solution is kept as long as possible.
• During the work two types of additives are used, the first of them is an antifreeze component that allows water not to freeze even at low temperatures.. This allows the concrete to grab and gain initial strength without compromising quality and without breaking the structure.
• The second option is a component that significantly speeds up the processes in the composition, allowing the concrete to set very quickly. As a rule, in a very short time, the structure freezes and can easily tolerate sub-zero temperatures. This option is great when work time is tight and you need to save time.

Note! This option of activities is only suitable in cases where the lowest temperature per day does not exceed -10 degrees. In case of more severe frosts, other options should be used, providing more reliable protection of the material.

Electric heating

This option is the most popular among large developers on large-scale objects. The method ensures the maintenance of the required temperature in almost any conditions, but it is worth remembering that the power consumption can greatly increase.

Electrode application

There are two main options with which concrete is heated, the first of which is the use of electrodes with different polarity. The movement of current between them causes heating of the material, the temperature is maintained by changing the current.

The heating pattern of concrete can vary significantly depending on which electrodes are used:

Cable application

The second option is a cable for heating concrete.

This method allows you to spend much less electricity, but the process itself has a lot of features:

• A preparatory stage is required, which includes laying a wire along the reinforcing belt. It is important to comply with the scheme and carefully lay the loop for loop. Any cable damage and damage can lead to a significant reduction in efficiency and energy waste.
• It is also necessary to have a step-down transformer through which current will flow. If the volumes are large, then you need a whole station for heating the concrete, so that the equipment capacity is sufficient for efficient operation. Lack of performance will negate all your efforts.

Tip! When using this option in a private building you can use a welding transformer, its power is sufficient for small volumes and you will not need to purchase additional equipment.

Concrete heaters work on a similar principle: they have a heating cable, which serves as the main structural element.

Heating formwork

A very attractive option for large construction companies, which are often engaged in monolithic work in the winter season.

The advantages of this method include the following factors:

• The design represents the formwork elements in which the heating elements are mounted, which can be replaced if necessary, which is very convenient and simple.
• When erecting objects of typical building, formwork will be suitable for any object, which allows it to be used as efficiently and effectively as possible.
• The main advantage of this option is high efficiency indicators. Work can be done even at a temperature of -25 degrees, when any other method is unlikely to help. That is why formwork for concrete structures is widely used in the northern areas, where temperatures often drop to -20 and below.

• As practice has shown, this option has one of the highest efficiencies, which is very important with large volumes of heating concrete products, because a significant amount of electricity is spent on this operation. The profitability of this option is several times higher than when using a PNSV cable or electrodes.
• The speed of installation work is particularly relevant if they are carried out at low temperatures. In a matter of hours you can build a very large structure, and begin work on pouring the monolith.

There are certain disadvantages:

• The high cost of construction involves large upfront investments, which is unprofitable for small amounts of work, since the costs are completely borne by one object.
• Difficulty of use on non-standard objects.

Device tents

Objects such as heat are well familiar to builders with experience, since earlier this was the only heating option:

• A pre-fabricated frame is constructed either from special structures or from improvised means.
• Tarpaulin or canopy is attached to keep warm.
• Inside a heat gun is installed on gas or diesel fuel, this allows you to maintain a comfortable temperature with minimal cost.

Infrared heating

Of the advantages are the following:

• The lowest energy consumption among all options with very high efficiency.
• Simplicity of the preparatory activities: it is enough to place the heaters in the right places.
• Ease of adjustment: the intensity of heating is adjusted by approaching or removing radiators from the surface.
• Convenience: you can warm up the open surface, right through the formwork. This greatly simplifies the work and removes many problems.

Note! Do not forget that when using this method there is a significant evaporation of moisture from the material, so it must be covered with plastic wrap.

Conclusion

Choosing the right option is very important, as the size of costs and efficiency directly depend on it. It is important to carefully weigh all the factors and not make the wrong decision. The video in this article will tell some features of the issue.