One of the most important things you can do for your concrete projects here in Wisconsin is pick the right mix for the job. Durability, climate resilience and long-term performance are paramount in Wisconsin construction, so you need to choose the right concrete mix to prioritize those three things. Choosing the wrong mix can lead to cracking, scaling and other premature wear and tear, thanks especially to the freeze-thaw climate we experience here. Whatever your project might be, today we’re going to tell you how to choose the right concrete mix to suit your needs.
[ READ MORE: about the Timeline for a Commercial Concrete Project in Wisconsin ]
Understand Wisconsin’s Climate Challenges
The first thing you need to do is understand the climate challenges inherent to construction in Wisconsin. Our weather is no joke, filled with cold winters and hot summers, frequent freeze-thaw cycles and plenty of road salt exposure. Your concrete mix needs to be able to withstand all of these harsh conditions, which you can do by looking for the following things:
- Freeze-Thaw Resistance
- You can look for mixes that include air entrainment, which is a series of tiny air bubbles that allow water to expand without cracking the concrete.
- Deicing Salt Protection
- If your project is likely to be exposed to road salt – such as driveways, parking lots or sidewalks – you should choose a mix with low permeability and proper curing to resist the scaling that this salt typically causes.
- Thermal Expansion
- As the temperature changes, concrete will expand and contract accordingly. You can manage this by adding reinforcements and control joints, but you can also choose a mix that’s designed for flexibility and durability to counteract this thermal expansion.
Understand Components of Concrete Mixes
The second thing you need to do is understand the different components of your concrete mix. Concrete is made from a combination of cement, water, aggregates – such as and or gravel – and, perhaps, optional admixtures. The proportions and additives that you choose make all the difference in getting the right final mix for your concrete project.
- Water-to-Cement Ratio
- A lower water-to-cement ratio – which typically means around 0.45 – can produce much stronger and less porous concrete. If you add too much water, the mixture will weaken and your concrete might not be strong enough.
- Aggregates
- You should be choosing clean and well-graded aggregates to get the most out of your concrete mix. Here in Wisconsin, crushed limestone is the most common aggregate and it’s known to perform well.
- Admixtures
- While optional, you should definitely consider certain admixtures that help to deal with the Wisconsin climate. Some examples of admixtures you should consider are air entrainers, accelerators (which are for cold weather), retarders (which are for hot weather) and superplasticizers (which produce high-strength mixes).
Consider Site Conditions & Pour Timing
The last things you need to consider are the conditions of your site and when you’ll be pouring the concrete mixture. The seasonal swings here in Wisconsin means that timing truly matters. If you’re going to be pouring in cold weather conditions, use heated water and accelerator admixtures when mixing your concrete, then cover your pour with insulated blankets to protect the curing concrete. If you’re pouring in hot weather, use retarders instead of accelerators to slow down the curing process and help prevent cracking. You can also create shade and utilize misting techniques to maintain moisture.
Plan Your Project with Potrykus Construction
If you want to ensure your construction project goes off without a hitch here in the state of Wisconsin, consider working with a professional company like our staff here at Potrykus Construction. We would be happy to discuss and plan your project together, and we’ll be sure that you choose the right concrete mix to maximize your durability, longevity and resilience to our local climate woes. Simply give us a call right here at your earliest convenience to get to work!