Concrete admixtures

Concrete is one of the most universal and widely used building materials. It is used to create various structures: from residential houses to industrial facilities. But how to ensure longevity and durability of concrete products? Concrete additives can help.

What are concrete admixtures?

Admixtures are special substances that are added to concrete during the mixing process to improve its properties. They make it possible to change the structure and characteristics of concrete, such as strength, water resistance, frost resistance, setting time and others.

Types of concrete admixtures

• Plasticizers: help improve the flowability of the concrete mixture without increasing the water ratio. They are used to make concrete more pliable and easier to work with.
• Curing gas pedals: speed up the setting and curing process of concrete. They are used in conditions where work needs to be completed quickly, such as when concreting in winter or in situations where work needs to be completed in a short period of time.
• Curing retarders: ideal for hot climates where concrete can set too quickly. This gives more time for paving and leveling and prevents it from drying out.
• Water-resistant admixtures: the water resistance of concrete is extremely important, especially when making products that will come into contact with water. Additives increase the resistance of concrete to water.
• Air-entraining admixtures: create small air bubbles in the concrete structure. This improves frost resistance and prevents the concrete from breaking during cyclic freezing and thawing.

Why are concrete admixtures needed?

The use of concrete admixtures has several distinct advantages that significantly affect the quality and durability of concrete products:

• Improved strength and resistance. Additives allow to obtain concrete with increased strength and durability, which is especially important for products that are subjected to intensive loads or aggressive external factors.
• Cost reduction. The use of certain additives can reduce the need for expensive materials while maintaining the desired characteristics of concrete.
• Simplification of production. The use of admixtures can speed up the production process of concrete products through curing gas pedals or plasticizers, which reduces molding and assembly time.
• Frost resistance and water resistance. For concrete products that will be used in low temperatures or high humidity, additives increase resistance to deterioration and water penetration.

When to add admixtures to concrete?

Additives are added to the mixture during the mixing of concrete, but it is important to observe the correct proportions and sequence. Violation of dosage or improper mixing can lead to deterioration of concrete quality. Therefore, it is important to carefully read the instructions for the admixtures before using them.

Concrete admixtures are a powerful tool to improve the performance, durability and productivity of concrete products. It is important to select additives according to the conditions of use of the concrete products and to ensure their proper application.