• Hydration Rate and Concrete Temperature Control

    Technical Summary

Natural Hydration Stabilizer



Hydration rate and temperature are closely related. Lower temperatures yield more ideal hydration for stronger concrete that’s easier to work with.1

By lowering temperature, NITROcrete™ slows the rate of hydration; at the cement grain-level, this slower hydration rate introduces more uniformity.2 This cohesion improves durability, as the resulting concrete is less permeable.



Hold Temperature Cooler, Longer

Field experience has shown NITROcrete can provide a ‘lower and hold’ effect on concrete temperature.3 This longer temperature reduction comes, in part, from lowering the heat generated during hydration.4

Research shows that when comparing higher vs. lower temperature mixes, the heat generation rate is higher and occurs more quickly when compared to heat generation from lower temperature mixes.5 In lower mix temperature, heat generation is reducted and occurs over a longer time period.

Conclusion

Holding temperature lower for longer means concrete remains easier to work with for longer, with better slump retention and improved workability.

References

1 Juenger, M., J. Hema, and S. Solt. (2007). The effects of liquid nitrogen on concrete properties, Center for Transportation Research, University of Texas at Austin, FHWA/TX- 08/0-5111-1.

2 ibid.

3 Van Dixhorn, et. al. (2018) Cooling aggregate with liquid nitrogen to control concrete temperature, NITROcrete Research and Development.

4 Ježo, L. et. al. (2010) Effect of temperature upon the strength development rate and upon the hydration kinetics of cements, Ceramics – Silikáty, 54 (3), pp. 269–276

5 ibid.

Last updated: October 13, 2020 at 9:38am MT

Due to continued product research and development, the information herein is subject to change without notification. Details of this Technical Sheet are believed to be accurate at time of publication.

About NITROcrete™

NITROcrete is the world leader in concrete temperature control. In 2012, what started as a jobsite problem for a partner evolved into a solution that is revolutionizing the concrete industry. The team listened, tested, developed prototypes, and made adjustments. Then they listened more, tested more, and in 2017, after 5 years of R&D, they introduced NITROcrete, a comprehensive concrete solution born directly out of the concrete industry.

The largest concrete companies in the world now use NITROcrete to simplify their processes, streamline their operations, and grow their bottom lines. NITROcrete provides a comprehensive concrete solution–cooling, system management, and support–which gives its worldwide industry partners unmatched efficiency, control, and peace of mind.

Advantages

  • Controlled hydration rate means stronger concrete; rushed hydration rate compromises strength
  • Achieve desired set time
  • Reduce plastic shrinkage cracking, even in hot weather concreting

Additional Technical Summaries

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Six-Figure Savings by Eliminating Concrete Cooling Tubes on Harbor Bridge

Corpus Christi's iconic Harbor Bridge required mass concrete for 500-foot tall towers. High humidity and ambient temperature required extreme temperature control to avoid complications with the concrete in the forms. NITROcrete™ enabled the project to meet temperature specifications without concrete cooling tubes, saving time and expense.

I-74 Mississippi Bridge: Lower temperature delivered over 36+ hour pours

When a previous liquid nitrogen application over-promised & under-delivered, NITROcrete™ temperature control experts met rigorous temperature specifications, on schedule.

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Cryogenic Industrial Solutions (CIS), a leading provider of cryogenic transport trailers, tanks, equipment repairs, lease fleet and nitrogen services, announced the acquisition of NITROcrete earlier this month. NITROcrete joins Alloy Custom Products, WesMor Cryogenics, CIS Leasing and Integrity Gas Services under the CIS umbrella of companies.
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