We have made a list of items regarding the placement of concrete in cold weather. Please adhere to these standard rules:

Footings

1. Minimum outside temperature of 10 degrees and rising.

2. Subgrade must be protected from frost migration after excavation.

3. Subgrade must be free of ground water and loose clay (muck) prior to placement of concrete.

4. Concrete is to be protected to maintain a concrete temperature of 50 degrees minimum.

5. Protection must be in place until concrete has reached a minimum of 500 P.S.I., usually 2 days.

Foundation Walls

1. Minimum outside temperature of 15 degrees and rising.

2. Forms and reinforcing steel are to be protected from frost prior to placement of concrete.

3. Wood and aluminum forms are to be kept in place for a minimum of 48 hours prior to stripping.

4. Concrete is to be protected to maintain a concrete temperature of 55 degrees minimum.

5. Protection of concrete is to be in place for a minimum period of 5 days to allow adequate curing.

6. Protection of high early strength concrete shall remain in place for a minimum of 3 days.

7. Foundation walls require a minimum of 10 days after placement before backfilling operations can begin, and proper bracing of all foundation walls will be required as needed.

Flatwork

1. Minimum outside air temperature of 32 degrees and rising.

2. Subgrade/stone is to be protected from freezing and free of any frost prior to placement.

3. Protection of concrete is required to maintain a concrete temperature of 55 degrees.

4. Protection of concrete is to be in place for a minimum of 5 days after concrete is poured.

5. Protection of high early strength concrete is to be in place for a minimum of 3 days after concrete is poured.

Notes

1. Non-chloride accelerators need to be used due to concerns about corrosion of reinforcing steel.

2. See A.C.I. standards for recommended protection methods.

If you have any questions about any of the items listed above, please feel free to call Jason Buss,
Chief Building Inspector, at (815) 724-4072.

[Updated January 22, 2004]

Building & Inspectional Services Division
Don Pallissard, Building Services Director
150 W. Jefferson Street, Joliet, IL 60432
First Floor, South Wing
Phone: (815) 724-4070
Fax: (815) 724-4080