Liquid Temperature Control in the Construction Industry
Advanced thermoregulation for concrete and cement testing to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
06/18/2025
In the construction industry, materials like cement and concrete form the backbone of global infrastructure. Yet behind every bridge, tunnel, or high-rise lies an invisible factor that critically influences performance and durability: temperature.
From the chemical reactions during cement hydration to the extreme conditions in freeze–thaw testing, precise temperature control is essential in simulating real-world environments during research and development. It ensures that materials meet rigorous safety standards, adapt to changing climates, and support sustainable innovation.
This article explores the central role of temperature control in construction R&D and presents JULABO solutions tailored to the industry’s most demanding applications.
The most widely used material in construction is cement, which forms concrete when mixed with rocks and other aggregates. Global production of these materials reaches approximately 4,000 megatons annually. Only water is consumed in greater quantities by humanity.
Still, research is needed to fully understand the process of cement formation. Simply put, cement is created by heating calcium carbonates (limestone), often mixed with clay, to produce calcium oxides (lime), which, together with silicon oxides, form di- and tricalcium silicates.
During heating to 1450 °C – and sometimes briefly up to 1800 °C – the carbonates release CO₂, which significantly contributes to atmospheric carbon dioxide levels – a factor we are now striving to limit and reduce. The production of 1,000 kg of Portland cement (a hydraulic cement), for example, releases around 900 kg of CO₂.[1]
In the binding and setting process, water is required to form calcium silicate hydrates, which give concrete the immense strength needed for bridges, buildings, and more. This process, called hydration, is exothermic and requires precise temperature and humidity control.
In 2023, COP28 (the United Nations Climate Change Conference) was held in Dubai and set the goal of achieving zero-emission cement production by 2030 – a monumental task. This is one of the reasons why research and development in the cement industry is thriving and why high-performance temperature control equipment is essential.
Temperature control – the game changer in construction
Temperature control is a game-changer in the construction industry, especially in the research and development (R&D) of materials like concrete, cement, and composites. JULABO circulators provide precise thermal management to simulate real-world conditions, ensuring that materials meet performance and durability standards. Below, we delve into specific applications and recommend JULABO models tailored to these tasks.
The proper curing of concrete is crucial to achieve the desired strength and durability. Temperature‑controlled baths simulate curing conditions for accelerated or real‑time tests.
Recommended models:
- CORIO C heating circulators: Ideal for maintaining stable temperatures up to +150 °C, suitable for curing studies on smaller specimens.
- VALEGRO 350 or 500 with natural refrigerants: Excellent for holding a constant temperature during the curing of concrete cylinders or beams for strength testing, including early‑age tests at 3, 7, and 14 days after mixing. Temperature range: –20 °C to +40 °C.
- MAGIO MS-1000FF ultra‑low‑temperature circulators: For simulating freeze–thaw cycles in the range of –90 °C to +100 °C. This MAGIO variant uses R290, a natural refrigerant with a very low global‑warming potential of 2.
Cyclic freezing and thawing of concrete and road‑building materials is carried out to assess their resistance to cracking and degradation.
Recommended models:
- MAGIO MS-1000FF ultra‑low‑temperature heat pump: Operating range –90 °C to +100 °C, ideal for extreme freeze‑thaw simulations.
- DYNEO DD refrigeration/heating circulators: Temperature range –50 °C to +200 °C, a versatile option for freeze‑thaw tests under various conditions.
- VALEGRO 350 or 500 refrigeration/heating thermostats with natural refrigerants: Temperature range –20 °C to +40 °C, a flexible choice for freeze‑thaw tests in long‑term durability studies.
Construction materials like cement composites are tested for thermal expansion under controlled heating conditions to evaluate their performance under temperature fluctuations.
Recommended Models:
- MAGIO Heating Circulators: Offering precise control up to +200 °C, these models are excellent for high-temperature material testing.
- PRESTO W50: For rapid heating rates and high-temperature stress tests up to +250 °C.
Chemical admixtures used in concrete require precise temperature control during R&D to ensure optimal performance.
Recommended Models:
- CORIO CD Open Heating Bath Circulators: These models allow internal testing with transparent bath tanks, which is ideal for observing chemical reactions directly.
- PRESTO A45 Temperature Control System: This model provides stability for sensitive chemical experiments with a range of –45 °C to +250 °C.
Testing insulation materials involves evaluating their thermal properties through controlled heating and cooling cycles.
Recommended Models:
- DYNEO DD Refrigerated/Heating Circulators: Flexible for both heating and cooling applications between –50 °C and +200 °C.
- MAGIO MS Refrigerated Circulators: Offering enhanced pump capacity for external systems requiring precise thermal control.
Precise temperature control is essential to analyze the heat of hydration and its impact on early-stage concrete behavior.
Recommended Models:
- VALEGRO 350 or 500 with natural refrigerants: Temperature range –20 °C to +40 °C – ideal for controlled hydration studies.
Maintaining a constant temperature for fresh concrete during air content testing ensures accurate results across various ambient conditions.
Recommended Models:
- VALEGRO 350 or 500 with a temperature range of –20 °C to +40 °C utilizing natural refrigerants.
JULABO model features tailored for construction R&D
| Model | Temp. Range (°C) | Key Features | Applications |
| CORIO CD Series | +20 to +150 | Compact design, user-friendly interface, stable temperature control | Concrete curing, admixture studies |
| VALEGRO 350 & VALEGRO 500 | -20 to +40 | User-friendly, various interface options. Natural refrigerants | Concrete curing, freeze-thaw cycles, cement hydration, air content testing |
| MAGIO MS 1000FF | -90 to +100 | High pump capacity, intuitive touch display, ultra-low temperature capability. Natural refrigerants | Freeze-thaw cycles, insulation testing |
| DYNEO DD Series | -50 to +200 | Energy-efficient, flexible use with natural refrigerants | Thermal expansion tests |
| PRESTO W50 | Up to +250 | Rapid heating rates, high-performance circulator | High-temperature stress tests |
Why choose JULABO?
- Precision Across Ranges:
JULABO circulators offer temperature stability of ±0.01 °C, ensuring repeatable results in demanding R&D applications. - Versatility:
Models like the MAGIO and DYNEO series cover a broad temperature spectrum (–90 °C to +250 °C), making them suitable for diverse construction material tests. - Durability and Efficiency:
Built with robust components like stainless steel tanks and energy-efficient systems for long-term, sustainable use. - Flexible Refrigerant Options:
Choose from natural or synthetic refrigerants, tailored to your specific needs.
By integrating JULABO temperature control systems into construction R&D workflows, engineers can precisely simulate real-world conditions – accelerating innovation in road building, bridge construction, and sustainable housing projects.
These advanced tools empower researchers to develop stronger, more durable materials that meet the demands of modern infrastructure.
[1] An alternative to this process is non-hydraulic cement, which binds without water. It uses CO₂ from the air to harden. This article focuses on the primary process involving hydraulic cement.