ᐅ Is it possible to pour a concrete slab at around 0 degrees Celsius?

Hello

I have a question because I’m quite unsure. I’ve heard that you shouldn’t pour a concrete slab at temperatures around 0 degrees, but that is exactly what is happening at my site today.

I just received a call that it will be done today and was a bit surprised. I asked and expressed my concerns. However, I was reassured that these temperatures are not a problem at all. I trust my construction company and haven’t had any issues so far, but now I’m a little uncertain.

What do you think?

Thanks for your opinions

Best regards
Bruenette

Hello Brunette,

It can work well, but it might not...

In general: The temperature of fresh concrete must never fall below +5°C (41°F)! Anti-freeze admixtures in concrete are prohibited in Germany.

Other than that, I can only recommend: using higher-quality cement (for example, CEM I instead of CEM II, 52.5 instead of 42.5), lowering the water-to-cement ratio, increasing the cement content, warm concrete, heating the formwork, and insulating the formwork. Is the temperature where you are actually below 5°C (41°F)? If so, it is essential to thoroughly inspect the slab (have it inspected)! The slab is the foundation of your house. If there are mistakes here, it is very difficult to fix them later.

Best regards

Thank you very much for your reply.

Well, the foundation has now been poured and we are working on the basement. I do have some concerns, but I hope everything will turn out fine. A friend who is an architect is going to take a look at it.

I’ll write a review of the company once the house is completed.

Best regards,
Bruenette