Popular: Sikaflex · waterproofing · grout · data sheets
In winter in Murree, Quetta and the northern areas, fresh concrete can freeze or gain strength too slowly to strip the forms. An antifreeze accelerator, warm materials and insulation keep the work moving.
General guidance based on the manufacturer data sheets. Site conditions differ: confirm the system with MCT before you start. Where we do not name a product, ask us and we will confirm the right one.
Keep formwork and reinforcement free of water, snow and ice, and pre-heat to at least 0 °C where needed. Use timber formwork instead of steel where possible and design formwork to insulate. Prefer higher-clinker cements to blended cements (SikaRapid-1 Antifreeze-PK p.2).
SikaRapid-1 Antifreeze-PK accelerates setting at moderately low temperatures and contains no chlorides, so it suits reinforced concrete (p.1). Dose 1 % of cement weight, i.e. 1000 g per 100 kg of cement. Add it with the gauging water or into the truck mixer and mix for at least 3 more minutes (p.2).
SikaRapid®-1 Antifreeze-PK provides progressing of concreteworking when suspending of concreting is necessary in risky cold or freezing following conditions: Slight daytime frost, Expected overnight frost, Expected cold periods When using SikaRapid®-1 Antifreeze-PK a suitable mix design has been … (TDS p.1,2)
Sika ViscoCrete-20 HE gives high early strength and early formwork removal and is suitable for reinforced and prestressed concrete (p.1). Dose 0.2–0.8 % of cement for medium workability; never add it to dry cement (p.2). Trial any admixture combination first (SikaRapid-1 Antifreeze-PK p.2).
The right product here depends on your site. We confirm it before naming it.
SikaRapid-786 PK reduces protection time in cold weather and allows earlier stripping (p.1), but it is only for concrete without reinforcement (p.1). Dose 0.5–1.5 % of cement (p.2).
SikaRapid®-786 PK can be used: Only for Concrete without reinforcement, Reduced water content required, For Increased early and ultimate strengths, Fast-track concrete projects, For (SCC) Self consolidating concrete, Concrete linings. (TDS p.1)
Fresh concrete should be between 5 °C and 15 °C, depending on the air temperature and the thickness of the section (SikaRapid-1 Antifreeze-PK p.2). Reject loads that arrive too cold.
Cover and insulate to stop heat and moisture loss until the concrete reaches 4–5 N/mm² (SikaRapid-1 Antifreeze-PK p.2). Sprayed curing compounds thicken below +10 °C (Sikafloor ProSeal W p.2), so rely on insulation blankets and polythene in cold weather.
A starting point for a site proposal. Quantities, prices and the final specification follow a site visit or photos.
| Step | Product | Pack | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2. Add the antifreeze accelerator | SikaRapid-1 Antifreeze-PK | 05 ltr jerry can | TDS p.1,2 · June 2025, Version 02.01 |
| 4. Plain (unreinforced) concrete only: accelerator | SikaRapid-786 PK | 05 ltr jerry can 20 ltr plastic can 200 ltr drum 1000 ltr IBC Bulk supply in tanker is… | TDS p.1 · October 2025, Version 01.02 |
Yes. SikaRapid-1 Antifreeze-PK contains no chlorides or other ingredients that promote steel corrosion, so it is suitable for reinforced concrete (p.1).
1 % by weight of cement, i.e. 1000 g per 100 kg of cement (SikaRapid-1 Antifreeze-PK p.2).
No. Its TDS limits it to concrete without reinforcement (SikaRapid-786 PK p.1).
Until it reaches 4–5 N/mm² compressive strength (SikaRapid-1 Antifreeze-PK p.2). The number of days depends on temperature and mix. Ask us: it depends on site conditions.
Yes, with care. For SikaGrout-951, raise the base plate and foundation above +10 °C and use warm water so the mixed grout is above +10 °C (SikaGrout-951 p.2).
Steps and product facts are taken from the manufacturer data sheets (page cited). Products are named only where the data sheet confirms the use; quantities follow a site visit or photos. General guidance: check the data sheet or ask us before you start.