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Wind chill doesn't affect inanimate objects

Windbeeches in Germany's Black Forest. Photo courtesy of Richardfabi and Wikipedia.Does wind chill have an effect on inanimate objects? For example will the wind chill have an effect on concrete setting up? Sam, Columbus, Ohio

Windbeeches in Germany's Black Forest. Photo courtesy of Richardfabi and Wikipedia.

Wind chill doesn't affect inanimate objects, Sam, in the same way as it does animate ones. Wind chill blows away the thin layer of air next to our skin that we've warmed with our body heat. That makes us feel cold. But, wind chill rarely has a similar effect on an inanimate object, which, in general, can't warm the thin layer close to its surface. However, wind could effect the setting up of concrete, because wind fosters evaporation. In fact, we generally put wet sacks over concrete so the concrete doesn't dry out as it sets up.

Comments:

  • Let us not forget that concrete produces heat during the chemical reaction of curing. The concrete like brick mortar sets up faster in warmer weather. It also freezes when it gets cold enough. This is where wind chill comes into effect. Notice I said when it gets cold enough not when it gets below 32F. That's because it has it's own heat from the chemical reaction. The exact freeze temp would depend on temperature, wind chill and amount of mortar or concrete. The more concrete or mortar, the more heat.  Mike, Mchenry, Illinois

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(Answered Feb. 25, 2008)

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