Bruce Suprenant, Technical Director, The Voice Newsletter May 2020
Since 1996, ACI 301 “Specifications for Concrete” provided an option in which the specifier could require the contractor to submit a plan for wet-weather protection activities. The specification language for ACI 301-16, 5.1.2 Submittals is shown below. During placement of concrete, unless protection is provided, ACI 301, Section 5.3.2, indicates wet weather considerations include not allowing precipitation to increase mixing water or to damage the concrete surface.
ACI 301-16 Specification for Concrete
5.1.2 Submittals
5.1.2.2 If required, submit information specified in 5.1.2.2(a) through 5.1.2.2(g).
5.1.2.2(c) Wet-weather protection—Wet-weather protection activities.
- Placement of concrete
- Weather considerations
5.3.2.1(a) Wet weather—Do not place concrete while rain, sleet, or snow is falling unless protection is provided. Do not allow precipitation to increase mixing water or to damage
5.1.2 Submittals
5.1.2.2 If required, submit information specified in 5.1.2.2(a) through 5.1.2.2(g).
5.1.2.2(c) Wet-weather protection—Wet-weather protection activities.
- Placement of concrete
- Weather considerations
5.3.2.1(a) Wet weather—Do not place concrete while rain, sleet, or snow is falling unless protection is provided. Do not allow precipitation to increase mixing water or to damage
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This ACI 301 provision continued for more than 20 years in the 1996, 1999, 2005, 2010 and 2016 versions. I am, however, not aware of any concrete contractors that have had to submit a wet weather protection plan. Apparently, the plan would need to include information about wet weather considerations as shown below:
- Rain, Sleet, Snow
- Determining when to place concrete based on weather forecasts.
- Deciding who can cancel a concrete placement.
- Acknowledging responsibility if the GC, CM or Owner dictate concrete placement in adverse weather.
- Having wet weather protection equipment and supplies on site.
- Deciding when to stop a concrete placement; or stop and restart.
- Methods to utilize protection equipment when necessary.
- Consider investigation or repair if necessary.
When developing a wet weather plan for concrete placement, review “Concrete Placements Exposed to Rain” by R. L. Kozikowski, S.M. Tarr, K. Roswell and B.A. Suprenant, Concrete International, August 2019.
There might be other wet weather activities, however, that may need to be included, with these considerations:
Safety: rain gear, the risk of walking in mud, slipping on wet surfaces including ladders, lightning, and electrical hazards from tools and equipment.
Work platform: providing and maintaining a stable ground platform for increased productivity, with the use of continuous grading, pumping water, or using gravel or cement-treated base to stabilize ground.
Tracking onto roadways: provide stabilized entrances and exits, tire washes, and use track-out mats.
ASCC is looking into what might be a wet-weather protection plan and how it can best be used by concrete contractors. If you have a wet-weather plan and are willing to share, please email bsuprenant@ascconline.org or call at 800-331-0668.