Air-Entraining Admixtures

Air-entrained concrete contains billions of microscopic air cells per cubic foot. These air pockets relieve internal pressure on the concrete by providing tiny chambers for water to expand into when it freezes. The bubbles are introduced into the concrete by adding an air entraining agent to the mix. The air bubbles are created while mixing the plastic (flowable, not hardened) concrete, and most of them survive to be part of the hardened concrete. The primary purpose of air entrainment is to increase the durability of the hardened concrete, especially in climates subject to extreme freeze-thaw cycles. The secondary purpose is to increase workability of the concrete while in a plastic state.

Water-Reducing Admixtures

Water-reducing admixtures provide a more plastic and flowable concrete, greater uniformity, increased durability, and reduced shrinkage and permeability in your concrete. Water reducers come as Low-Range, Mid- Range, and High-Range Superplasticizers. There are enough different admixtures available that it is possible to select one that meets the need of a particular project, whether tall columns that need a mix that pumps easily, or an easy-to-finish durable floor slab. In general, they provide the required slump with less water in the mix and may provide higher strength concrete without increasing the amount of cement.

Retarders

The use of a retarder extends the setting time of concrete allowing time for proper placement and finishing without cold joints.

Hardening & Set Accelerators

A Hardening Accelerator can provide very high early strengths. Set Accelerators, both chloride and non-chloride, are used to decrease the set time of concrete.

Fly Ash

Fly Ash is an industrial byproduct of coal burning power plants and is a valuable additive that makes concrete stronger, more durable, and easier to work with. Fly ash aids the formation of cementitious compounds to enhance the strength, impermeability, and durability of concrete. It reduces bleeding and segregation in early concrete. In hardened concrete, it increases ultimate strength, reduces drying shrinkage and permeability, lowers heat of hydration, and reduces creep.

Slag

Micro Silica

Micro Silica (condensed silica fume) can be used to meet high-strength and low-permeability requirements. Benefits include reduced permeability, increased compressive and flexural strengths, and increased durability. Silica fume can be used in concrete to produce very high compressive psi strengths under jobsite conditions.