When building a concrete batching plant in winter, it is crucial to meet the challenges brought by low temperatures to ensure the quality of concrete and the construction progress. The following are the key steps and considerations summarized by CHAND:
Site selection and design:
Choose a well-drained site to prevent water accumulation and ice formation.
Incorporate insulation materials into the design of the building's exterior walls.
Heating mixed water:
Use heating equipment to keep the mixed water at the appropriate temperature, usually between 30-60°C, to prevent freezing and ensure proper hydration of cement.
Boilers or electric heaters can be used to heat the water.
Preheating aggregates:
Preheat the aggregates before they enter the mixer to prevent the concrete temperature from dropping too low.
Methods include using hot air blowers, heated shelters, or hot water soaking.
Use of admixtures:
Add antifreeze or early strength admixtures to improve the frost resistance and early strength of concrete.
Select the appropriate admixture according to the conditions and strictly follow the recommended dosage.
Concrete mixing and transportation:
Ensure that the temperature of the concrete remains above 5°C during mixing.
Minimize the transportation time from the mixing plant to the construction site and use insulated mixer trucks to prevent the concrete temperature from dropping too quickly.
On-site pouring and curing:
Immediately cover the poured concrete with insulating materials such as straw mats, plastic sheets or thermal blankets to prevent the surface from freezing.
Use steam heating or electric heating methods to maintain the concrete temperature during the curing process.
Emergency measures:
Develop an emergency plan for sudden weather changes (such as rapid temperature drops).
Equip the site with necessary snow removal tools and materials to ensure access to the site and roads.
CHAND believes that taking these measures can help ensure the quality and progress of winter concrete batching plant construction and avoid problems related to low temperatures.
