Is it possible to pour a floor slab at 0 degrees?

Hello

I have a question because I am quite uncertain. I have heard that you shouldn’t pour the floor slab at temperatures around 0 degrees, but that is exactly what is happening today at my place.

I just got the call that it will be done today and was a bit surprised. I asked and expressed my concerns. But I was assured that these temperatures are not a problem at all. I trust my construction company and have had no complaints so far, but now I am a bit uneasy.

What do you think?

Thanks for your opinions

Best regards Bruenette

Hello brunette,

it can work well, but it doesn't have to....

In general: the fresh concrete temperature must never drop below +5 °C!!! Antifreeze agents in concrete are banned in Germany.

Otherwise, I can only recommend: higher cement quality (e.g. CEM I instead of CEM II, 52.5 instead of 42.5), reduction of w/c ratio, higher cement content, warm concrete, heating of the formwork & thermal insulation of the formwork. Is it actually below 5°C where you are? If yes, then definitely have the floor slab thoroughly checked! The floor slab is the foundation of your house. If this is botched, you can hardly renovate it later.

Best regards

Thank you very much for the response.

Well, now it is poured and we are at the basement. I do have some concerns, but I hope everything will be fine. A friend who is an architect is taking a look at it.

I will write some company feedback once the house is finished.

Best regards
Bruenette