[Barry Ferguson]

What are the long term effects to frozing footings

[smearcase]

Here is one opinion:

" 114. Effects Of Freezing Of Concrete

Many experiments have been made to determine the effect of freezing of concrete before it has a chance to set. From these and from practical experience, it is now generally accepted that the ultimate effect of freezing of Portland cement concrete is to produce only a surface injury. The setting and hardening of Portland cement concrete is retarded, and the strength at short periods is lowered, by freezing; but the ultimate strength appears to be only slightly, if at all, affected. A thin scale about 1/16 inch in depth is apt to scale off from granolithic or concrete pavements which have been frozen, leaving a rough instead of a troweled wearing surface; and the effect upon concrete walls is often similar; but there appears to be no other injury. Concrete should not be laid in freezing weather, if it can be avoided, as this involves additional expense and requires greater precautions to be taken; but with proper care, Portland cement concrete can be laid at almost any temperature. "

From this site:
114. Effects Of Freezing Of Concrete

As stated, the effect would be minimal for a footing where slight scaling of the surface wouldn't be a major problem. My biggest concern would be-- was there a specification in place that required placement at non-freezing temps, and if so-- why wasn't it followed?

Also depends on what the footing is for.

[Barry Ferguson]

Here is one opinion:

" 114. Effects Of Freezing Of Concrete

Many experiments have been made to determine the effect of freezing of concrete before it has a chance to set. From these and from practical experience, it is now generally accepted that the ultimate effect of freezing of Portland cement concrete is to produce only a surface injury. The setting and hardening of Portland cement concrete is retarded, and the strength at short periods is lowered, by freezing; but the ultimate strength appears to be only slightly, if at all, affected. A thin scale about 1/16 inch in depth is apt to scale off from granolithic or concrete pavements which have been frozen, leaving a rough instead of a troweled wearing surface; and the effect upon concrete walls is often similar; but there appears to be no other injury. Concrete should not be laid in freezing weather, if it can be avoided, as this involves additional expense and requires greater precautions to be taken; but with proper care, Portland cement concrete can be laid at almost any temperature. "

From this site:
114. Effects Of Freezing Of Concrete

As stated, the effect would be minimal for a footing where slight scaling of the surface wouldn't be a major problem. My biggest concern would be-- was there a specification in place that required placement at non-freezing temps, and if so-- why wasn't it followed?

Also depends on what the footing is for.

For a commercial office a lot of wieght we poured on Friday put the frost lines down we had heated lines in the forms them self the plummer came after we were gone for the weekend steped on the frost line cracked it so that was down and then he did not turn on his heating system we had it covered with insulated tarps but it was in high 20s below zero if the concrete freezes before the concrete can harding to 500 psi it is no good

[smearcase]

It is very difficult to understand your explanation.
I am assuming that you are saying that a means of heating the freshly placed concrete was in place, but someone came in after your crew left and broke a line which resulted in no heat being on the concrete for the weekend, but it was covered with insulated blankets and the temps were in the high 20's Fahrenheit.
Is that correct?
1. What is your position with the company that made the pour?
2. Do you know what the specifications require?
3. Was the operation inspected?
4. Does the owner of the building know what happened?
5. Were hi-lo recording thermometers in place during the cure?
6. Were test specimens (cylinders) made and cured with the structure?

Where does "if the concrete freezes before the concrete can harding to 500 psi it is no good" come from? Is that someone's opinion or your wording of a spec?

My experience is in inspection of bridge construction. If this had happened on one of my state's projects, all of the facts we could ascertain would have been analyzed and a decision made based on all the facts. It is unlikely that we would have determined that the concrete was " no good". Concrete can be cored and tested and/or tested in place long after the placement. The architect/engineer advises the owner and the owner makes the final decision. The decision could be to do nothing, to reduce the amount of payment, of if supported by the contract requirements- remove the concrete.

I have the feeling that you are not in a position of authority and think that this is being kept quiet? Is that the case?