Winter Commercial Construction in Minnesota: How ECS Prepares for the Harsh Conditions
Winter in Minnesota is notorious for its harsh weather. The icy winds, snow, and subzero temperatures present significant challenges for businesses, particularly those in the commercial construction industry. At Evenson Concrete Systems, we embrace the challenge by implementing robust preparation strategies to continue our work safely and efficiently, regardless of the season.
In this blog, we’ll explore the unique difficulties presented by Minnesota’s winters and how Evenson Concrete Systems effectively prepares for and navigates these challenges. By employing innovative techniques and best practices, we ensure that projects remain on schedule, quality is maintained, and safety is prioritized, even when the weather is less than cooperative.
Inside the blog:
The Challenges of Commercial Construction in Winter
The Challenges of Commercial Construction in Winter
Minnesota’s winter weather is nothing short of brutal. With average temperatures often plummeting well below freezing and an annual snowfall of around 50 inches, conditions are far from ideal for outdoor work. Here are some of the key challenges commercial construction companies face during the colder months:
Frozen Ground: The ground freezes quickly once temperatures dip below 32°F, making excavation work more difficult. Frozen soil is harder to dig through, which can cause delays in foundational work.
Snow Accumulation: Heavy snowfall covers the construction site and adds weight to unfinished structures, leading to structural instability if not managed properly.
Shorter Days: The lack of daylight during winter months means fewer hours to work safely outdoors. The reduced sunlight can also affect workers' morale and energy levels.
Subzero Temperatures: Extremely cold temperatures can be hazardous for both workers and equipment. Frostbite and hypothermia are real risks, and machinery tends to function less effectively in the cold.
Material Handling: Some construction materials are affected by cold weather, which can impact their quality. Concrete, for instance, requires specific temperature controls to be set properly in freezing conditions.
Despite these challenges, commercial construction doesn’t stop during the winter. Evenson Concrete Systems has developed a strategic approach to ensure productivity, safety, and quality, even in the coldest months.
ECS's Winter Preparation Strategies
At Evenson Concrete Systems, we believe that success during winter construction lies in thorough preparation and innovative solutions tailored to the unique demands of the season. Below are some of the ways we prepare for and manage construction work during Minnesota's harsh winter months.
1. Pre-Planning and Scheduling Adjustments
The key to successful winter construction begins with thorough pre-planning. During the warmer months, we assess each project and develop a winter-specific schedule that accounts for potential weather delays. By anticipating when and where certain challenges might arise, we can front-load tasks that are more difficult in the winter, such as excavation and foundation work.
Seasonal Considerations: We schedule tasks that are more sensitive to cold weather, like concrete pouring, early in the project timeline or plan for heated enclosures to maintain suitable temperatures during curing.
Buffer for Delays: Minnesota winters can be unpredictable, with sudden snowstorms or extreme cold snaps. We build extra time into the schedule to accommodate potential weather-related delays.
2. Cold Weather Construction Techniques
Over the years, Evenson Concrete Systems has fine-tuned its winter construction techniques to keep projects moving smoothly, even in freezing temperatures. We employ a variety of cold-weather methods to ensure quality and safety.
Ground Thawing: One of the biggest challenges is dealing with frozen ground. We use ground-thawing equipment, such as heated blankets or hydronic heating systems to combat this. These tools allow us to maintain a workable ground temperature, making excavation and foundation work possible even in frigid conditions.
Heating Enclosures: ECS uses temporary heated enclosures for temperature-sensitive materials like concrete. These tents or shelters provide a controlled environment that allows concrete to be set and cured properly without being compromised by the cold.
Specialized Concrete Mixes: In extreme cold, we use cold-weather concrete mixes that are designed to perform better at lower temperatures. We also incorporate chemical additives that speed up the curing process and protect the material from freezing.
3. Snow and Ice Management
Managing snow and ice is one of the most time-consuming tasks during winter construction. However, it’s critical for keeping the site safe and functional. At ECS, we have developed a comprehensive snow and ice management system that minimizes disruptions.
Regular Snow Removal: Our team is equipped with snow removal equipment that is deployed as soon as snow accumulates. Keeping the site clear can prevent delays and ensure that work can continue without interruption.
Ice Prevention: Icy surfaces can create hazardous working conditions. We pre-treat surfaces with de-icing agents and use anti-slip coatings to ensure the safety of our crew.
4. Worker Safety Protocols
Worker safety is our top priority, especially during the cold winter months when conditions can quickly become dangerous. ECS implements several safety measures to protect our crew from the elements.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): All workers are provided with winter-specific PPE, including insulated gloves, thermal outerwear, and heated boots. We also enforce strict safety guidelines to prevent frostbite and hypothermia.
Warm-Up Breaks: Working in freezing temperatures requires regular warm-up breaks. We provide heated break areas on-site where workers can rest and recover from the cold before continuing their tasks.
Hydration and Nutrition: Cold weather can often mask signs of dehydration, so we encourage our workers to stay hydrated throughout the day. We also provide warm meals and drinks to help maintain energy levels.
5. Advanced Technology
At ECS, technology is vital in enhancing client communication and ensuring efficiency throughout the project lifecycle. Drones, for instance, are a powerful tool that allows us to document and tell the story of each project visually. By conducting aerial inspections, we can capture real-time progress updates and share these insights with clients, fostering transparency and keeping them informed without requiring them to visit the site. Drones also help identify potential challenges, such as snow or ice buildup, enabling us to address them before they escalate.
In addition to drones, we utilize cutting-edge laser screed technology in our concrete construction projects. Laser screeds are self-propelled units equipped with a telescoping boom and placement head that level and vibrate liquid concrete quickly and efficiently during pouring. This ensures a precise, uniform concrete surface with minimal manual labor, resulting in improved overall quality. The laser screed is especially valuable for large slab pours, where achieving consistency is crucial, even in less-than-ideal weather. Its accuracy and speed help us meet high-performance standards and maintain project timelines, regardless of seasonal challenges.
By leveraging these advanced tools, ECS ensures that our projects run smoothly, with superior results and open communication every step of the way.
CALIBER COLLISION | MANKATO, MN
Conclusion: Embracing Minnesota's Winter Challenges
At Evenson Concrete Systems, we understand that commercial construction in Minnesota's winter months is not for the faint of heart. But through meticulous preparation, innovative techniques, and a commitment to safety, we continue to deliver high-quality results, no matter the season.
By embracing these challenges head-on, Evenson Concrete Systems has built a reputation for reliability, even when faced with the harshest winter conditions. Our ability to adapt and thrive in Minnesota’s unpredictable weather makes us a leader in the industry, ensuring that projects remain on track and clients are satisfied, no matter the time of year, contact our team to get your project started.