Controlling the temperature of raw concrete is a very important aspect of concrete technology to prevent internal cracking due to higher temperatures and temperature gradients and to minimize cracking due to drying shrinkage.
Monitoring the initial temperature of concrete through mock-up testing
Generally, before starting the concrete work of a project, a concrete test cube is cast and the temperature fluctuations and maximum temperatures are studied to take the necessary measures and avoid problems due to higher temperatures and temperature gradients. The test can also be used to decide what type of formwork is suitable and whether changes to the formwork are necessary. Depending on the scope of the project, the size of the cube to be cast is decided by senior engineers or follow the project specifications.
Typically cube sizes of around 1m x 1m x 1m or 2m x 2m x 2m are used. However, the size of the test block depends solely on the project consultants and the type of elements to be molded.
Thermometers are installed in the center of the test block and close to the surface. Sometimes the additional thermometer is installed between the center and the surface. Depending on the result of the test, a decision will be made on whether to continue the concreting work.
Information about temperature limits and other parameters can be found in other posts on this blog.
