GS Construction has begun pre-performance verification for ready-mixed concrete plants that will supply concrete to its construction sites during the winter. The company plans to restrict supplies from plants that do not meet quality standards, ensuring that the concrete can achieve the necessary strength even in sub-zero temperatures.
On November 10, GS Construction announced that it would conduct pre-performance verification for all ready-mixed concrete plants scheduled to supply concrete this winter.
This verification aims to manage quality from the production stage, moving beyond the traditional method of checking quality after the concrete has been delivered to construction sites.
In winter, low temperatures can cause internal moisture in concrete to freeze before it has fully set, leading to reduced strength or cracking. To prevent this, previous methods included installing tents and using hot air blowers for insulation and curing.
GS Construction is expanding the use of cold-resistant concrete to reduce delays in construction and the burden of quality management associated with these heating methods.
Cold-resistant concrete utilizes high-strength cement and special additives that allow it to gain strength more quickly than regular cement. This enables the concrete to achieve the required strength without additional heating equipment, even in freezing temperatures. However, variations in quality can occur depending on the production plant, necessitating performance verification before delivery.
Since October 12, GS Construction has been conducting performance verification for plants scheduled to supply cold-resistant concrete. Key verification criteria include the basic properties of the concrete, the occurrence of initial frost damage at low temperatures, and concrete strength.
The company plans to ensure that the concrete produced at each plant meets established quality standards, restricting supply from any plants that fall short.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport has revised concrete standard specifications and design criteria to strengthen quality management for concrete in low-temperature environments by December 2024. GS Construction's initiative represents a direct verification of performance at ready-mixed concrete plants, separate from quality management during the construction phase.
This verification process utilizes GS Construction's own research and testing infrastructure. The company will directly verify the performance of concrete from each ready-mixed concrete plant without relying on external testing agencies.
Through this approach, GS Construction aims to identify potential quality discrepancies at the production stage and ensure that only concrete meeting quality standards is supplied to construction sites.
A GS Construction official stated, “It is essential to verify the performance of production plants in advance, as achieving stable initial strength in cold environments is crucial for cold-resistant concrete. We will proactively manage concrete quality risks using our research and testing capabilities to ensure safe and reliable structures during the winter season.”
* This article has been translated by AI.
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