Laying concrete in poor weather

[Paul123]

I plan to have 4 cubic metres of concrete delivered on Saturday (footings for a 2 walls and a slab base for a outbuilding). Looking at the forecast it might be wet and I was wondering whether I should hold off until better weather arrives (tricky as I have voluntary wheel barrowers on stand by).

Although I can cover up to some degree how critical is it if the trenches have a bit of standing water in the bottom and will being rained on after its laid critically affect the strength of the concrete?

I'm having 1:3:6 delivered and have been considering asking for a 'drier' mix to be delivered to conpensate. Is this sensible?

Many thanks
Paul

[Tony McC]

For foundations, don't worry about the weather and don't worry about covering up. The concrete will look after itself. It's a bit more problematic if it's concrete for a finish, such as a floor slab or a driveway, but for footings, the finish is immaterial - it's the strength that matters.

And don't order a drier mix: waste of time. Use a 50-75mm slump if you can, as it 'flows' and finds its own level, thereby reducing the amount of work needed to finish it.

[Paul123]

Brilliant,

Thanks Tony.