The construction of industrial facilities from metal structures today does not stop for a minute even in severe northern frosts. This is done by highly qualified builders who have introduced progressive winter construction technologies into their activities, in particular, concrete heating.
So, in the normal mode, according to SNIP, it is possible to carry out work on the construction of foundations at a temperature not lower than minus five degrees. If the temperature drops below this mark, then builders use other technologies that allow concrete to harden without consequences in such frosty conditions.
One of these technologies is the heating of concrete due to the heat released directly from the concrete mortar used in construction. For this, hot steam or water preheated to ninety degrees Celsius is used in its production.
The second kind of winter construction technology - the effect of a thermos, is the organization of a warm formwork around the concreted object. Infrared technology is also considered effective for quick setting.or electrode heating of the solution. For this, tubular heat emitters are used, through which an electric current is conducted. They can be ceramic or quartz. For these methods, you also need a transformer to heat the concrete. The next method to ensure the right temperature for strong concrete is to use a heating or thermally active formwork, which includes a wire to heat the concrete.
In Russia, the most widely used technology is the use of chemical additives, which are included in the composition of the concrete solution in order to reduce the freezing point so that the concrete sets much earlier than it begins to freeze. Concrete plants consider this technology to be the most profitable for them, because construction companies, not caring about additional equipment, simply buy a frost-resistant mortar of the brand they need and they do not care about heating the concrete. Good or bad, it's hard to say.
So far, we only know that in other Nordic countries, such as Finland, Sweden, construction companies are equipped with special equipment, giving them the opportunity to choose the way they work with concrete in winter conditions and ensure the expected level of strength all year round and prevent the effect swelling in winter.
The advantage of winter construction lies in the fact that it is much easier to organize access roads to the object in the frosty winter season. Snow drifts easilyare removed by snow blowers, the snow is rammed and machinery without obstacles associated with slush and a road washed out by rains and showers brings the necessary materials, equipment and people.
And another important advantage that makes winter construction expedient, using concrete heating, is a reduction in the total number of construction projects, which means that as a result, labor is released, tension, excitement and haste are reduced. Objects are built consistently and more prudently. Companies that build their warehouse and production facilities in the winter benefit.
