With our headquarters being located in Ocala, FL, Del Zotto Products has had its fair share of dealing with concrete in the heat. We oftentimes are asked about how concrete projects are affected by these extreme temperatures and we have the answer for you!
Spoiler alert: Even though 100 degrees seems like a cruel joke to anyone working outside at a job site, when it comes to most construction projects, concrete will not really be affected by the heat.
It is said that if concrete will not be in an area that exceeds 400 degrees Fahrenheit, that just regular concrete mixes should suffice for your project. However, if wherever you are lying concrete that will be in an area above 500 degrees; you might want to look into taking extra precautions.
Concrete is known for being a non-combustible material, with slow heat transfer and does not burn. Concrete “generally provides the best fire resistance properties of any building material” as noted in this article from Michigan State University. Instead of burning when heated to extreme temperatures, concrete undergoes something known as spalling, which is when the concrete breaks apart exposing the inner layers. It talks about how concrete technology is always improving, however, it is noted that as new concretes are created and developed, they should continue to test and see how these new technologies react to fire and heat.
The one thing you should definitely consider over anything is how the heat affects the team working on your concrete project. Be sure to take the proper precautions like drinking water, wearing light clothing, staying in the shade and using sunscreen, to make sure your team is staying hydrated and healthy throughout the day!
Have any questions about precast concrete? Feel free to contact us today or follow us on social media!