Concrete can be placed in a wide range of ambient conditions. ACI guidelines explain the range of these conditions. Avoid placing concrete below 40°F or above 120°F without proper protective measures. Also avoid windy conditions without a wind break as this will expose the fresh concrete to premature surface drying, which can lead to cracking or a weakened surface that is prone to “dusting” and discoloration.
Concrete is very good in compression but poor in tension. Reinforcement allows the concrete structure to maintain its compressive integrity while still providing good resistance to tensile or flexural stresses.