How It Works
The versatile Ground Heater® solves cold weather construction problems! Ground Heaters® dry, radiant, hydronic heat is economical and easy to use!
- Thaw frozen ground for excavation and concrete placements
- Thaw up to 1 foot deep per day!
- Accurately quote winter construction jobs
- Deliver projects on time
- Keep crews and equipment working all winter
- Protect exposed footings from frost heaving
- No need to build temporary roads.. adjacent ground stays frozen
- Cure concrete achieve required strength gain sooner
- Quote projects accurately
- Keep projects on schedule
- Keep crews and equipment working all winter
- Avoid risk and expense of frozen concrete
- No expensive enclosures to build
Thawing
Problem: Ice in the soil! | Know Your Dirt! Ice Content of Frozen Soils
Frost Facts
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Best Solution: Ground Heater® | Ground Heater® System![]()
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Old Solution: Hot Air. | Hot Air System
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Thaw Cost Comparison |
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Ground Heater®System Setup | ![]()
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Benefits! | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
NOTE: Figures above are based on average rates/costs. Actual |
Curing
Problem | Cold temperatures slow speed of concretes cure, causing cost increases and schedule delays. |
Best Solution:
Use a Ground Heater to accelerate the cure.
A Ground Heater raises concrete to ideal curing temperature (65°-75°F), greatly reducing costs and delays.
Fact #1: Hydration Reaction | ![]() | Fact #2: Temperature | ![]() | Fact #3: Speed | ![]() |
Cement chemically reacts with water to produce calcium silicate hydrate the chemical compound that makes concrete hard and strong. | Temperature mainly determines the speed of thishydration reaction. | The speed of the hydration reaction determines how long it takes for concrete to set and develop strength. The speed of the hydration reaction is mostly determined by the temperature of the concrete. |
Concrete Curing Process
Aggregate & Paste | Plastic Phase. Concrete is placed. Cold temperatures delay initial set and increase the risk of concrete freezing. Temperature vs Time to Initial Set |
Initial Set | Set Phase. Finishing operations are completed. Cold temperatures delay final set and increase the risk of concrete freezing. Concrete must reach 500 psi before it can withstand a freezing cycle. Temperature vs Time to Reach 500 psi |
Final Set | Hardened Phase. Curing measures are implemented and strength development begins. Cold temperatures delay strength gain. Concrete must reach 75% design strength to strip forms & withstand load. Temperature vs Time to Reach 75% Design Strength |
Hard Rigid Concrete | ![]() |
Benefits |
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Slab on Grade
1. Preheat ground | 2. Remove insulation & hoses | 3. Place concrete on warm ground | 4. Maintains slab at 65°-75°F |
Poured walls or Columns
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1. Preheat forms, cover with insulation | 2. Pour 75° concrete into forms | 3. Ground Heater maintains 65°-75°F concrete for curing period |
Elevated Slab
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Ground Heater heating elevated slab | Cross-section view | Ground Heater maintains 65°-75°F concrete for curing period |