Cold Weather Self Consolidating Concrete

Status: Completed 2025

Funding Agency: Army Corps of Engineering/ERDC-CRREL

Abstract: 

Frost protection for cold-weather concrete typically requires energy-intensive heating, driving up costs and carbon emissions. This study introduces a Cold-Weather Self-Consolidating Concrete (CWSCC) capable of withstanding temperatures as low as 23°F (-5°C) without external heating. Highly flowable and non-segregating, CWSCC fills formwork and encapsulates reinforcement without the need for mechanical consolidation. Its performance relies on an additive-based frost protection (ABFP) system featuring set accelerators, corrosion inhibitors, hydration stabilizers, supplementary cementitious materials, and viscosity control via limestone powder or admixtures.

Testing confirmed that CWSCC maintains its targeted fresh properties for 15 to 60 minutes post-mixing, with dynamic yield stress inversely correlating to slump flow. While setting behavior was evaluated using standard penetration, ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) emerged as a practical alternative. Although CWSCC material costs are 33% higher than conventional vibrated concrete, eliminating the need for external heating, placement, and consolidation labor offsets the initial expense. Consequently, CWSCC provides an efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable solution for cold-weather concreting.

Principal Investigator: Dr. Gilson Lomboy, PhD

Link to Publications: 

Tech Brief