Cold Set Concrete

004882151986PDFResearch PaperAK-RD-86-28AdditivesAir entraining agentsConcrete mixersFreeze thaw durabilityHighwaysMaterialsI32: ConcreteAlaskaUnited StatesAlaska. Dept. of Transportation and Public FacilitiesBeach, WGAlaska. Dept. of Transportation and Public FacilitiesUS Transportation CollectionChemical additives are currently available which will cause Portland cement concretes to react, set and cure at temperatures below 0 deg C (32 deg F). Mixes have been developed which will gain strengths as high as 5000 PSI when placed and cured at below freezing temperatures. The work to date has not determined the long term freeze-thaw durability of such concrete; however, current state-of-the-art knowledge suggests that satisfactory long term durability should be achievable, with typical mixes. Such mixes contain standard cements and commercially available air-entraining agents and additives. The mechanism utilized to obtain hydration appears to be partially freezing point depression and partially ice crystal growth suppression. It is the investigator's opinion that when the exact mechanism is determined, additional means will be available to enhance the end result into a practical, functional product which will allow utilization of Portland cement concretes without the benefit of a plus 4 deg C (40 deg F) placing and curing environment.79