Concrete is defined as a composite material that consists essentially of a binding medium within which are embedded aggregates. Most of the time, it is a combination of fine aggregate and coarse aggregate.
Concrete admixtures improve the properties of concrete in construction with special requirements. Chemical admixtures such as concrete superplasticizers can provide several beneficial effects on the handling of consolidation of fresh concrete as well as on the performance of both hardened and fresh concrete. To be able to successfully achieve the desired results and to avoid unnecessary instances, there are some precautions to be taken into consideration.
Furthermore, chemical concrete admixtures are used to achieve the desired workability in case of a low water-cement ratio. These admixtures also help in setting the time of concrete for long-distance transportation.
The following are some of the most important purposes for which admixtures are used:
- Improved workability without increasing water content or decreasing water content at the same workability level.
- Accelerated time of initial setting.
- Decreases prevent settlement.
- Modify the rate or capacity for bleeding.
- Reduce segregation.
- Enhance pumpability.
- Decrease the rate of slump loss.
- Increase the bond of concrete to steel reinforcement.
- Increase the bond between existing and new concrete.
- Improve impact resistance and abrasion resistance.
- Inhibit corrosion of embedded metal.
- Produce colored concrete or mortar
When Concrete Admixtures are being used?
- When properties cannot be made by varying the composition of the basic material.
- To produce the desired effects more economically.
- Unlikely to make poor concrete better.
- Not a substitute for good concrete practice.
- The required dose must be carefully determined and administered
Selection of Concrete Admixtures
Concrete chemical admixtures should be selected as per the specifications and should be used as recommended by a professional manufacturer like Redwop Chemicals.
For large concrete construction projects, the quantity of the admixture to be used should be obtained from test reports for concrete mixed with admixtures at various percentages of admixture use. Chemical manufacturers say that these tests are conducted to fully understand the behavior of admixtures on the desired quality and strength of concrete. Thus, the optimum quantity of admixtures can be selected for a specific application based on the results.
It is highly important that concrete admixtures should, including the Admixtures range, be used judiciously according to specification and method of application. This is to avoid adverse effects on concrete properties in a fresh and hardened state. For more information and the correct application of any type of concrete admixture, get in touch with us here at Redwop Chemicals at +91 9724655551.