CHAPTER (13)

Q; What is the effect of wind on fresh concrete?

A; Concrete is not only affected by extreme temperatures but also by humidity levels as
well as velocity and intensity of the wind. The wind velocity can affect freshly poured
concrete by allowing too much water or moisture to evaporate from the concrete’s surface at
a fast rate. High wind velocity under hot weather due to the similar excessive loss of moisture
concrete can experience when poured in warmer temperatures. When concrete is poured
during extremely windy weather, the rapid velocity of air will only contribute to excess
moisture evaporation from the slab of concrete. Because of this, the abrasion resistance and
curing condition of concrete will subsequently suffer. Colder winds can produce what is
called a wind chill which can strip excess heat from concrete. Plastic shrinkage cracking can
occur when the surface of concrete dries before it has fully cured.