Scheduling demands and resource constraints force contractors to pour concrete in the rain

The American Concrete Institute (ACI, www.concrete.org) presentation “How To Handle Concrete Placements Exposed To Rain” by Ronald Kozikowski highlights how scheduling demands and resource constraints from time to time force contractors to pour concrete in the rain — as opposed to canceling and rescheduling placements during more favorable weather conditions. Kozikowski is a materials and construction engineer at North Starr Concrete Consulting based in New Hampshire.

Impacts to concrete from rainfall during placing, waiting / dormancy, final finishing, and curing

Kozikowski highlights how contractors can safely pour concrete in the rain by properly planning for protection and effectively managing the risks. Further, Kozikowski discusses numerous impacts to concrete from rainfall during each of the four stages of concrete placement: placing, waiting / dormancy, final finishing, and curing. In summary, Kozikowski reviews both proactive and preventive actions for protection plans, and reactive and corrective measures for concrete repairs.

Wet-Weather Protection Plans for Cast-in-Place Concrete

  • ACI 301-16 Specifications for Structural Concrete, wet-weather plan submittal
  • Protection options for each of the four stages of concrete placement
  • Include a list of wet-weather equipment and materials
  • Discuss plans and review procedures during preconstruction meetings
  • Discuss concrete repairs after rain events, if required

Learning Objectives of “How To Handle Concrete Placements Exposed To Rain”

  1. Understand the four main properties of rainstorms and what affect they can have on concrete placements.
  2. Timing of a rainstorm during a concrete placement will influence how the rain event should be handled. Learn what options available to contractors during the main stages of placing and finishing concrete.
  3. Understand what a “wet weather plan” is and what should be included in one.
  4. Learn what repair options are available if a concrete placement is affected by rain.

American Concrete Institute reference categories include: concrete technology, construction practices, durability, and placing. For more information about concrete exposed to rain at various stages of placements, see the August 2019 article “Concrete Placements Exposed to Rain: Damage types, protection options, and repair methods” authored by Ronald L. Kozikowski, Scott M. Tarr, Kevin Rowswell, and Bruce A. Suprenant, in the Concrete International, Volume: 41, Issue: 8.

“Abstract: Concrete can be exposed to rain at various stages of placements. Being prepared for a rain event allows potential risk to be managed effectively. The article discusses the harmful properties of rainstorms and potential types of damage that can occur. It also provides situational based protection options for managing placements exposed to rain as well as repair methods that can be used if superficial damage occurs despite protective actions.”

Sources

Kozikowski, Ronald L., et al. “Concrete Placements Exposed to Rain: Damage Types, Protection Options, and Repair Methods.” Concrete International, vol. 41, no. 8, 1 Aug. 2019, pp. 41–47.

Kozikowski , Ronald L. “On-Demand Course: How To Handle Concrete Placements Exposed To Rain.” American Concrete Institute, Topics in Concrete, American Concrete Institute, 7 Apr. 2020.

About the American Concrete Institute (ACI, www.concrete.org)

Founded in 1904 and headquartered in Farmington Hills, Michigan, USA, and a regional office in Dubai, UAE, the American Concrete Institute is a leading authority and resource worldwide for the development, dissemination, and adoption of its consensus-based standards, technical resourceseducational & training programscertification programs, and proven expertise for individuals and organizations involved in concrete design, construction, and materials, who share a commitment to pursuing the best use of concrete. ACI has more than 100 chapters, 215 student chapters, and 30,000 members spanning over 120 countries.

(Source: www.concrete.org/aboutaci)

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