Method and apparatus for cooling concrete during curing

Abstract

A system and method for cooling a concrete slab to improve curing in hot weather includes a portable liquid cooler. A conduit is connected to the liquid cooler and arranged in proximity to the concrete slab. A pump is operative to circulate liquid from the liquid cooler through the conduit such that liquid moves from a supply port of the liquid cooler into an input end of the conduit at a supply temperature, moves through the conduit, and moves from an output end of the conduit to a return port of the liquid cooler at a return temperature greater than the supply temperature. Heat is absorbed from the concrete slab and the temperature of the slab is thus reduced compared to a slab in ambient hot weather conditions.

Description

[0001] This invention is in the field of laying concrete, and particularly laying concrete in warm weather. BACKGROUND [0002] Maintaining the temperature of concrete at a satisfactory level during curing presents considerable challenges because of the wide ambient temperatures encountered when laying concrete. The American Society for Concrete Contractors recommends that the temperature of the concrete be maintained between 50 and 70° F. It is well known that concrete must be kept above freezing during curing when the weather is cold. [0003] Similarly, when the weather is hot, the concrete can dry too quickly. As happens with concrete that freezes before curing, concrete that is too warm dries too quickly and so suffers from reduced strength and is subject to cracking. This problem is exacerbated by the heat generated within a freshly poured concrete slab, wall or the like by the chemical reactions of the curing process. [0004] Proper curing of concrete can affect the final strength...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010] The liquid circulating through the conduit adjacent to the concrete slab absorbs heat from the slab and reduces the temperature of the slab. Drying of the concrete is slowed to improve curing and increase the strength of the finished slab.

Problems solved by technology

Maintaining the temperature of concrete at a satisfactory level during curing presents considerable challenges because of the wide ambient temperatures encountered when laying concrete.

Similarly, when the weather is hot, the concrete can dry too quickly.

As happens with concrete that freezes before curing, concrete that is too warm dries too quickly and so suffers from reduced strength and is subject to cracking.

This problem is exacerbated by the heat generated within a freshly poured concrete slab, wall or the like by the chemical reactions of the curing process.

Images