Tricks for getting concrete to set up in the current soggy weather

Igotadose

I need to pour two 90cm square pads in the upcoming days. They'll be at the top of some gate pillars, to hold lights. Yes, I know, not a good time of year for this.

Is there a way to get the concrete to set? Overnight it's still above 10, during the day 10-15 out here. But, it's wet. I don't think we've had 24 hours in a row without some rain in the last week and the upcoming one looks no better. I certainly will put some wooden boards atop my pads, but is there something else? Like, should I use a different mix than 1:3 (cement:sand) like I usually do? That mix works fine when it's dry but that isn't the case presently.

Can't really wait till whenever it will be dry - March? April?

Thanks

mickdw

It will set regardless.

Make it reasonably dry mix, just wet enough to get finish required on it then place a loose cover over, spaced off the concrete.

Come back next day and all should be good.

If it's a very small amount, you can buy bags of rapid set concrete dry in bags - just add water.

jack of all

Plenty of concrete being placed and worked in wet weather right now, given your area is small see if you can rig up a parasol or something over the area while your placing it and working it, just to keep the rain off it. Then when your happy cover it with some plastic and let it do it's thing.

Igotadose

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118083771#Comment_118083771

Had thought of plasticing it; just any kind? Would builder's film be appropriate?

jack of all

Your pads/ caps are small- a roll of cling film would do the job and no fear of it blowing away.