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9/26/2025
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The American Concrete Institute has various resources related to Cold Weather Concrete – including guides, journal articles, online courses, free presentations, and more. ACI defines cold weather as a period when the average daily ambient temperature is below 40°F (5°C) for more than 3 successive days. Cold weather exists when the air temperature has fallen to, or is expected to fall, below 40°F (5°C) during the protection period. The protection period is defined as the time required to prevent concrete from being affected by exposure to cold weather. Concrete placed during cold weather will develop sufficient strength and durability to satisfy the intended service requirements when it is properly produced, placed, and protected. The necessary degree of protection increases as the ambient temperature decreases. The objectives of cold weather concreting practices are to prevent damage to concrete due to freezing at early ages, ensure that the concrete develops the required strength for safe removal of forms, maintain curing conditions that foster normal strength development, limit rapid temperature changes, and provide protection consistent with the intended serviceability of the structure. ACI Cold Weather Concrete Resources
ACI defines cold weather as a period when the average daily ambient temperature is below 40°F (5°C) for more than 3 successive days.
Cold weather exists when the air temperature has fallen to, or is expected to fall, below 40°F (5°C) during the protection period. The protection period is defined as the time required to prevent concrete from being affected by exposure to cold weather. Concrete placed during cold weather will develop sufficient strength and durability to satisfy the intended service requirements when it is properly produced, placed, and protected. The necessary degree of protection increases as the ambient temperature decreases.
The objectives of cold weather concreting practices are to prevent damage to concrete due to freezing at early ages, ensure that the concrete develops the required strength for safe removal of forms, maintain curing conditions that foster normal strength development, limit rapid temperature changes, and provide protection consistent with the intended serviceability of the structure.
ACI PRC-306-16 Guide to Cold Weather Concreting – This document guides specifiers, contractors, and concrete producers through the selection processes that identify methods for cold weather concreting. The objectives of cold weather concreting practices are to: a) prevent damage to concrete due to freezing at early ages; b) ensure that the concrete develops the recommended strength for safe removal of forms; c) maintain curing conditions that foster normal strength development; d) limit rapid temperature changes; and e) provide protection consistent with intended serviceability of the structure. Concrete placed during cold weather will develop sufficient strength and durability to satisfy intended service requirements when it is properly proportioned, produced, placed, and protected.
On-Demand Course: Modern Cold Weather Concrete – Continuing Education Credit: 0.1 CEU (1.0 PDH).
Cold Weather Research Findings for Residential Concrete Foundation Walls
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Effect of Frozen Rebar on Surrounding Concrete During Cold Weather Placement
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Concrete Q&A: What is the Appropriate Definition for Cold Weather?
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Carbon Dioxide Emissions Specific to Concrete Production in Cold Regions
306 - Cold Weather Concreting
View All Cold Weather Concrete Resources Here »
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