Hot-Weather Concreting

Reduce rapid moisture loss, control set, and protect fresh surfaces in hot, dry, and/or windy conditions.

Also see: Finishing · Curing

Plan & Monitor

  • Check forecast (temp, wind, RH); estimate evaporation and plan mitigation.
  • Schedule pours early/late; add shade/wind breaks; pre-stage curing materials and finishing crew.
  • Pre-pour meeting: finishing sequence, sawcut timing, curing method, acceptance criteria.

Materials & Mix

  • Use chilled/tempered water or cooled aggregates; shade trucks when possible.
  • Use WR/set-retarders as specified; avoid adding water on site—use admixtures.
  • Verify delivery temperature (ASTM C1064); track truck times and site temps.

Placement & Finishing

  • Maintain steady placement; minimize delays and rehandling.
  • Don’t finish over bleed water; evaporation retardants only per product data.
  • Coordinate with pumping/placing so finishing doesn’t trap water.

Curing & Protection

  • Start curing immediately after final finishing; moist curing preferred where feasible.
  • For compounds, meet coverage rate; reapply if disturbed.
  • Protect from wind/sun during early hours; monitor surfaces.

References

  • ACI 305R — Hot Weather Concreting
  • ACI 301 — Specifications (hot-weather provisions)
  • ASTM C1064 (temperature) and evaporation nomographs

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