Peut-on couler du béton sous la pluie ?

Concrete can be poured in the rain, but certain steps must be taken to ensure it retains its integrity. If you are left with no choice but to pour concrete in the rain, then you should take note of longer curing times, dilution of the mixture, and mis-shaping of the finish.

Steps can be taken to pour concrete more efficiently when it’s raining, and Machine à blocs Lontto has put together this guide to show you what they are.

Selon le Climate Central, regions in the US that have seen significant increases in rainfall intensity from 1970 to 2022 include:

• East North Central: +19% in hourly rainfall intensity
• West North Central: +18% in hourly rainfall intensity
• Central and Southwest Regions: +16% and +14%, respectively
• Northeast: +13% in hourly rainfall intensity

These same regions have also been experiencing higher construction activity, especially due to the growing US population. With this in mind, let’s find out what construction workers can do to pour concrete in the rain without compromising on their workmanship.

5 Tips for Pouring Concrete in the Rain

If at all possible, you should hold off pouring concrete in the rain, especially if it’s heavy rain. But if you’re constrained by deadlines, here is a summary of our five tips for pouring concrete during rainy conditions.

Here’s a more detailed description of these five tips.

1. Cover Your Concrete

While it’s not always possible, covering your concrete will protect it from rain. You can use plastic sheets or tarps to cover the surface area, but it’s even better if you cover the entire working area. Keep reading to learn about some of the things you can use to protect your concrete from rain.

2. Plan Ahead

Always plan the pouring day of your concrete around 7 days ahead of time. Check the weather forecast too. It may not be 100% accurate, but at least you’ll have an idea of whether it will rain. Also, plan at least one backup day to pour your concrete in case heavy rain ruins your initial plans.

3. Use Rain-Resistant Concrete Mixtures

Water-reducing admixtures can be used during likely rainy seasons. These mixtures call for less water to mix the concrete and leave you with a denser concrete mixture. Bear in mind that these mixtures are not designed to be used during heavy rain, but light rain won’t affect your work as badly.

4. Plan to Work Fast

If there’s a chance it might rain, make sure you work quickly. Once the concrete pouring is done, light rain probably won’t ruin the finish of your concrete to a great extent. It’s the pouring process itself that leaves your concrete at its most vulnerable. If you can cover the concrete after it’s been poured, all the better.

5. Plan for 7 Days of Curing

Remember that concrete and mortar are not the same, and it takes 7 days for concrete to cure. Light rain during this time period may actually be beneficial to the hardening of your concrete. But heavy rain could spoil the finish. Take note of the weather forecast 7 days in advance, and plan to cover your poured concrete with curing blankets or burlap if necessary.

What Equipment Should You Use When Protecting Poured Concrete from Rain?

If you are working with poured concrete, it’s worth investing in equipment and covers to protect it from the rain. Here’s a list of items to keep handy while you work:

• Plastic sheeting or tarps
• Curing blankets
• Temporary roofing or tents
• Waterproofed plywood or boards
• Sandbags or weights to secure coverings

How does Rain Affect Poured Concrete?

How rain affects poured concrete depends on the extent of the rain at the time of pouring. Light rain won’t necessarily affect the concrete negatively if it’s been mixed properly. Medium rain can weaken the surface, but may not have a permanent effect on the eventual finish. However, rain that starts and stops unpredictably could impact the curing process.

Heavy rain will almost certainly damage the finish and wash away much of the concrete. If that heavy rain turns into a deluge, the project will likely need to be started over and completely replaced.

What are Signs that the Rain Has Ruined Your Concrete?

Signs that your concrete has been irreversibly ruined include cracks in the surface, washed-away concrete residue, and a texture that feels uneven to the touch. You can also tell if concrete has been ruined by its color, which will appear dark and streaky. Also, check if the concrete is dusty after 7 days — this means it didn’t dry properly.

Talk to the skilled team at Machine à blocs Lontto if you need any advice on your concrete needs. We’ve got products and machinery that enhance the quality of your concrete structures. With years of experience under our belts, we’ll advise you on how to maintain high-quality construction under rainy conditions.

FAQs on Can You Pour Concrete in the Rain?

Can waterproof concrete be used to prevent rain damage?

Waterproof concrete can be used to prevent rain damage after it has already been cured. Using waterproof concrete to counter rainy conditions while pouring, will not negate the effects of the rain on your uncured concrete. For waterproof concrete to be effective, it must first be cured for at least 7 days.

Can the water-cement ratio be adjusted when expecting rain?

Yes, the water-cement ratio can be adjusted when mixing your concrete if you’re expecting rain. Follow these steps:

1. Use less water when mixing
2. Add slightly more cement content
3. Use an additional admixture
4. Mix the cement slightly drier and thicker if you are certain it will rain
5. Cover the concrete during and after pouring

What happens if you pour concrete on a wet surface?

If you pour concrete on a surface that is already wet, the mixture will not bond properly. Curing will also be affected within the bottom layers of the concrete, which may cause cracks on the surface later on. Overall, the entire section of poured concrete will be weakened by the moisture at the bottom.

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