Title: Early Freezing of Non-Air-Entraining Concrete

Author(s): Donald C. McNeese

Publication: Journal Proceedings

Volume: 49

Issue: 12

Appears on pages(s): 293-300

Keywords: no keywords

DOI: 10.14359/11819

Date: 12/1/1952

Abstract:
The critical period when freshly placed concrete is damaged by freezing has not been definitely established. To obtain data on this subject, test cylinders were frozen at various intervals up to 6 hr after molding and at temperatures from 25 to -15 F. Cylinders molded at 72 F and subjected immediately to a freezing temperature of 15 F lost about 40 percent of their compressive strength. When given more time to set before freezing, the damage was less. There was practically no loss of strength when the cylinders set 6 hr before freezing at 15 F. Cylinders exposed to 5 F lost 50 percent of their strength when frozen immediately, and 15 percent when frozen after 6 hr. A more critical condition existed when concrete was mixed from cold materials. Cylinders molded at 40 F lost 50 percent of their compressive strength when frozen at the mild temperature of 25 F. Concrete molded at 40 F pnd frozen immediately at -15 F lost 45 percent of its strength. A 50 percent loss of strength was about the maximum for any freezing condition. The length of time the concrete remained frozen or the temperature to which it was lowered once it was frozen through did not greatly affect the compressive strength.