The quality of concrete is directly related to its strength, which depends on the water-cement ratio. The workability is the parameter of concrete, which determines the homogeneity in the sense of quality. The priorities and proportions of the construction materials always affect the workability of the fresh concrete. The rainwater increases the proportion of water in the concrete mix at the time of mixing, transporting, placing, compacting, and finishing.
The sand and aggregate get wet in the rain, which raises the proportion of water in the concrete. These factors increase the water-cement ratio of concrete mix. Though the water-cement ratio improves the workability of concrete, it ultimately reduces the strength to a great extent. An average increase of 0.1 of the water-cement ratio reduces strength by 5%. Hence excess water, in any case, should be avoided. However, this does not mean, we cannot pour the concrete in the rainy season.
Tips For Concrete Pouring In The Rain
1- If Concrete Is Protected From The Rain
Pouring Concrete during the rainy season is quite a cumbersome task. If you are careful enough to protect concrete in the rainy season then you are more likely to achieve an even quality surface. It happens because once the rain has stopped,
the surface water on concrete evaporates effectively in the same manner as bleed water from the original concrete mix evaporates before the concreting process is completed. When concrete is protected from heavy rainfall then excess water can’t get accumulated on its surface. This helps in easy evaporation and drying of concrete water resulting in a strong concrete surface with no damage at all.
2- If Concrete is Not Protected from the Rain
If Concrete is not protected from Heavy rainfall during the pouring process then, it can have a serious effect on quality, strength, and overall appearance. If water doesn’t get evaporated from the concrete surface during the pouring process, the moisture gets retained in the concrete reducing its strength, quality, and durability.
3- If Rain Starts Just After a Concrete Pour
Just because the rain starts during or soon after a concrete pour doesn’t mean that your construction project is ruined. It all depends on the Timing and Stage of the curing process of concrete.
1- If Rain starts when the concrete is fresh just about 2—4 hours after mixing, the surface should be protected from the rain.
2- If the finishing process is completed, rainwater may not cause damage.
3- If the concrete becomes stiffed and is ready for grooving and grinding, just after 4—8 hours of mixing, then damage by rainwater is no longer an issue.
If you are looking for the best construction services, then Maple is the right solution for your dream project. Each construction project is unique and so should be well managed under the guidance of experts. Experts at Maple Concrete Pumping are all here to guide you about all that is related to your construction project.
