Evaluating Mix Designs for Cold Weather Concreting

Abstract

A thermodynamic method for evaluating mix designs is developed and used to analyze the requirements of American Concrete Institute (ACI) 306 “Cold Weather Concreting.” Cement content, types, and accelerators are the possible mix alternatives suggested by ACI. Using the thermodynamic approach presented, the suggested alternatives are compared. Type III cement and Type I cement plus an accelerator are equivalent alternatives for the protection of concrete placed in cold weather. An additional