How to Order Concrete Like a Pro

How to Order Concrete: A Step-by-Step Guide from Volume Concrete LLC.

Ordering the right concrete is crucial for the success and durability of your project. At Volume Concrete, powered by the pumping expertise of AAA Concrete Pumping, we’re here to guide you through every step. Our slogan, “The Leaders in Long Distance,” reflects our commitment to delivering quality and control, no matter the distance or complexity. Follow this comprehensive tutorial to confidently place your order!

Step 1: Define Your Project Scope and Requirements

Before you even think about concrete specifications, clearly understand what you need the concrete to do and the environment it will be in.

Project Type: Is it a driveway, patio, foundation, sidewalk, pool deck, commercial slab, or something else? Different applications have different strength and durability needs.
Dimensions: What are the length, width, and depth of the area you need to fill? Accurate measurements are essential for calculating the total volume.
Tip: Use our Volume Concrete Calculator to easily determine your required cubic yards!
Structural Requirements: Does your project require a specific compressive strength (e.g., 3000 psi, 4000 psi)? This is often dictated by building codes or engineering specifications.
Exposure Conditions: Will the concrete be exposed to freeze-thaw cycles, de-icing salts, aggressive soils, or other harsh environmental factors? This will influence durability requirements.

Step 2: Understanding Measurements & Volume Calculation

Concrete is ordered and measured in cubic yards (yd³). A cubic yard is a measure of volume equivalent to a cube that is 3 feet long, 3 feet wide, and 3 feet high (3′ x 3′ x 3′).

How to Calculate Volume:

Measure in Feet: Convert all your dimensions (length, width, depth) into feet. If you measure in inches, divide by 12 (e.g., 4 inches = 4/12 = 0.333 feet).
Multiply Dimensions: Multiply your length by your width by your depth (in feet).
Volume (cubic feet) = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (ft)
Convert to Cubic Yards: Divide the total cubic feet by 27 (since there are 27 cubic feet in 1 cubic yard).
Volume (cubic yards) = Volume (cubic feet) / 27

Why Accurate Measurement is Key: Ordering too little concrete leads to costly delays and the need for an additional pour, which may not match perfectly. Ordering too much can be wasteful. Our online calculator simplifies this process, ensuring you order precisely what you need.

Always order slightly more than your exact calculation (e.g., 5-10% extra) to account for uneven subgrades, spillage, or minor over-excavation. This buffer is standard practice in the industry.

Step 3: Specifying Key Concrete Properties

This is where you define the “recipe” for your concrete. Understanding these terms will help you communicate your needs effectively.

3.1. Compressive Strength (PSI)

This is the most common specification. It refers to the maximum compressive load a concrete cylinder can withstand after a specific curing period (usually 28 days), measured in pounds per square inch (psi).

Common Strengths:
3000 PSI: Suitable for sidewalks, patios, and residential slabs not exposed to harsh conditions.
4000 PSI: Recommended for driveways, garage floors, and most structural applications. Often required for freeze-thaw resistance.
5000 PSI or higher: Used for heavy-duty industrial floors, bridge decks, and situations requiring exceptional strength and durability.

Consult your project plans or local building codes for the required PSI. If unsure, 4000 PSI is a versatile choice for many applications.

3.2. Slump

Slump is a measure of the concrete’s consistency or workability – essentially, how wet or plastic the mix is. It’s measured using a slump cone test, where a cone filled with concrete is lifted, and the amount the concrete slumps down is measured in inches.

Low Slump (e.g., 1-3 inches): Stiffer mix, used for slip-formed barriers, pavements, or where there’s a risk of segregation.
Medium Slump (e.g., 4-5 inches): The most common range, offering good workability for typical slabs, foundations, and driveways.
High Slump (e.g., 6+ inches): Very fluid mix, used for heavily reinforced sections, pumped concrete, or when very easy placement is needed. However, high slump can reduce strength and increase shrinkage if not managed carefully.
Very Low Slump (e.g., 2 inches): As demonstrated by AAA Concrete Pumping’s capabilities, in certain cases, we can successfully pump concrete with slumps as low as 2 inches, which is ideal for applications requiring a stiffer mix and precise placement.

Consider your placement method: Pumping usually requires a higher slump, but AAA Concrete Pumping’s expertise allows us to pump even lower slumps when needed. For standard placement with chutes or wheelbarrows, a moderate slump is ideal.

3.3. Aggregate Size and Mix Types

Aggregates (sand and gravel/stone) make up the bulk of concrete, and their size and type influence the mix’s properties and best applications.

Volume Concrete’s Standard Aggregate: Our most popular and versatile mix utilizes a blend of aggregates with a maximum size of 1 inch. This mix is engineered for superior industrial applications, providing excellent strength, durability, and excellent pumpability for projects ranging from foundations to large commercial slabs. While not ideal for intricate stamping due to the larger aggregate, its robust nature makes it perfect for demanding industrial environments.
Pea Gravel Mixes: We also offer mixes featuring pea gravel (typically 3/8″ to 3/4″ aggregate size). Pea gravel mixes are known for their smooth finish and ease of working, making them ideal for decorative concrete applications such as:
- Stamped Concrete: The smaller, rounded aggregate allows for easier compaction and a cleaner transfer of stamp patterns.
- Color Concrete: The aggregate size helps to achieve a more uniform and consistent color distribution.
- Patios and Walkways: Provides a pleasing aesthetic and comfortable surface.
However, due to the smaller aggregate size and potentially lower overall density compared to our standard 1″ aggregate mix, pea gravel mixes are generally not recommended for heavy industrial applications that require extreme load-bearing capacity or resistance to abrasion.

Discuss your project’s aesthetic and structural needs with us. Whether you need the industrial strength of our 1″ aggregate mix or the decorative appeal of pea gravel, we have the right aggregate selection for you.

3.4. Cement Type

The cement is the binder that holds concrete together, and its type significantly impacts its performance.

Ash Grove Type 1L Cement (Durkee, Oregon): At Volume Concrete, we prioritize quality and performance, which is why we predominantly use Ash Grove Type 1L cement sourced from their Durkee, Oregon plant. This cement is renowned for its superior consistency, excellent workability, and robust strength development, making it an ideal foundation for virtually all your concrete projects. Type 1L cement provides the general-purpose properties of Type I while offering moderate sulfate resistance and a slightly reduced heat of hydration, combining versatility with enhanced durability.

Learn more about the critical relationship between water and cement ratios in our guide: Water-to-Cement Ratio Relationship to Strength in Ready-Mix Concrete. Discuss your project’s specific exposure conditions with our team to determine the optimal cementitious materials.

Step 4: Considering Site and Environmental Factors

The conditions at your job site and the prevailing weather will significantly impact how your concrete behaves and the specifications you’ll need.

4.1. Ambient Temperature & Humidity

Temperature plays a huge role in concrete setting times. Hotter temperatures accelerate hydration, making concrete stiffen faster. Colder temperatures slow down hydration, extending setting times. High humidity can sometimes slow surface drying.

This is where admixtures like retarders become vital. If you’re pouring in hot weather, or if your concrete has a long travel distance, you might need a retarder to keep the concrete workable. Our Euclid Stasis admixture is specifically designed for this purpose, allowing for extended working times even in challenging temperatures. You can use our online Volume Calculator to get an initial quantity estimate, and our Concrete Mixing Time Calculator to help you understand dosage for products like Euclid Stasis.

4.2. Wind

Wind can accelerate the drying of the concrete surface, potentially leading to plastic shrinkage cracking if the surface dries out faster than the concrete can accommodate movement. Using curing compounds or evaporation reducers can help mitigate this, especially in windy conditions.

4.3. Site Access and Placement Method

How will the concrete be delivered and placed? This is a critical consideration for both Volume Concrete and AAA Concrete Pumping.

Chute/Direct Delivery: Standard truck delivery to an accessible site.
Wheelbarrows: Requires concrete that is stiff enough to be moved without segregation.
Concrete Pump: Requires a more fluid mix (higher slump) that can be pushed through the pump lines. AAA Concrete Pumping is “The Leaders in Long Distance,” specializing in pumping concrete efficiently to hard-to-reach locations. They can handle a wide range of slumps, including very low slumps (as low as 2″) in certain cases, which is perfect for projects requiring a stiffer mix and precise placement, like specialized shotcrete applications.
Shotcrete: A specialized application where concrete is pneumatically projected. This requires a specific mix design, often with a retarder like Euclid Stasis, to allow for controlled application and adhesion.

Inform both Volume Concrete and AAA Concrete Pumping about your planned placement method. This helps us tailor the mix and suggest appropriate admixtures for seamless execution.

Step 5: Understanding Admixtures – The Performance Enhancers

Admixtures are ingredients added to concrete during or just before mixing, other than cement, water, and aggregates. They are used to modify concrete’s properties in the fresh or hardened state.

5.1. Euclid Stasis: Your Retarding Solution

As discussed, Euclid Stasis is a premier retarder. It works by slowing down the cement hydration process, thereby:

Extending Workability: Crucial for long haul times (living up to AAA Concrete Pumping’s “Leaders in Long Distance” slogan), hot weather, complex pours, and applications like shotcrete. It ensures your concrete remains plastic and placeable for the duration needed.
Reducing Heat of Hydration: Beneficial in large pours to minimize thermal stress and cracking.
Improving Finishing Time: Gives you a more relaxed window for screeding, floating, and troweling.

Use our Concrete Mixing Time Calculator for dosage guidance on Euclid Stasis.

5.2. Other Relevant Information & Tools:

While we focus on high-quality Ash Grove Type 1L cement and specialized mixes, understanding other aspects of concrete is beneficial.

Water Reducers (Plasticizers/Superplasticizers): These admixtures reduce the amount of water needed to achieve a desired slump. Less water means higher strength and improved durability.
Air Entrainers: Create microscopic air bubbles within the concrete matrix, significantly improving freeze-thaw resistance and durability in environments exposed to de-icing salts.
Accelerators: Speed up hydration and strength development. Useful in cold weather.
Corrosion Inhibitors: Protect reinforcing steel from corrosion, particularly important in coastal or de-icing salt environments.

For help selecting the right mix based on your project’s needs, explore our Concrete Mix Design Suggestion Tool.

Discuss your project’s specific needs with our experts at Volume Concrete and AAA Concrete Pumping. We can recommend the ideal mix design, aggregate selection, and admixtures to achieve optimal performance, durability, and cost-effectiveness.

Step 6: Placing Your Order with Volume Concrete & AAA Concrete Pumping

Now that you’ve gathered all the necessary information, you’re ready to place your order!

Have Your Details Ready:
- Total Cubic Yards needed (with a buffer!)
- Required Compressive Strength (PSI)
- Desired Slump (inches) – noting AAA Concrete Pumping’s ability to pump very low slumps.
- Aggregate Selection: Volume Concrete’s standard 1″ aggregate mix for industrial strength, or our pea gravel mix for decorative applications.
- Cement Type: Primarily Ash Grove Type 1L from Durkee, Oregon for superior performance.
- Planned placement method (chute, wheelbarrow, pump – and mention AAA’s long-distance pumping capabilities)
- Site conditions (temperature, humidity, wind)
- Any admixtures required (like Euclid Stasis for extended workability)
Contact Volume Concrete & AAA Concrete Pumping: Call us or use our online ordering system. Our knowledgeable team is ready to assist you.
Review with Our Team: Even if you’ve used our calculators, it’s always beneficial to briefly discuss your project with our concrete specialists. They can offer expert advice and confirm your specifications.
Confirm Delivery Details: Provide the exact delivery address, contact person on-site, and any specific delivery instructions, including pump placement needs.

Step 7: The Importance of Learning and Using Our Online Tools

At Volume Concrete, we empower our customers with knowledge and tools. Understanding concrete basics like measurements, PSI, slump, the role of admixtures, our specific product offerings like Ash Grove’s superior cement, AAA Concrete Pumping’s services, and the benefits of our online tools, is invaluable for project success.

Why Learn These Basics?

Better Communication: You can speak confidently with suppliers and contractors.
Cost Savings: Avoid ordering too much or too little, and choose the most cost-effective specifications for your needs.
Improved Performance: Select the right concrete for the job, ensuring durability and structural integrity.
Reduced Risk: Understand how environmental factors and placement methods influence your concrete, allowing for better planning.

Our online calculators and tools, such as the Volume Calculator, the Concrete Mixing Time Calculator, and the Concrete Mix Design Suggestion Tool, are designed to simplify complex calculations and provide essential guidance.

Accurate Quantity Estimation: Ensure you order the right amount of concrete every time with our Volume Calculator.
Admixture Dosage Guidance: Get a baseline for important admixtures like Euclid Stasis, helping you manage workability and setting times effectively with our Mixing Time Calculator.
Mix Design Suggestions: Explore options and learn about material combinations with our Mix Design Tool.

By familiarizing yourself with these concepts and leveraging the tools we provide at Volume Concrete, you significantly increase the likelihood of a successful, high-quality concrete project.

Ready to Order? Let’s Build Together!

Let Volume Concrete, backed by AAA Concrete Pumping’s unmatched pumping services and powered by superior Ash Grove cement, be your partner in building with confidence. Use our tools, call our experts, and experience the difference quality concrete and dedicated service can make.

Use Our Volume Calculator Contact Us to Order

July 25, 2025

Euclid Stasis Dosage Chart

Calculate the recommended dosage rate for Euclid Stasis based on ambient temperature and time delay.

Ambient Temperature (°F):

Time Delay (minutes):

Cement Content (cwt):

Result:

Please enter the values above and click ‘Calculate Dosage’.

Euclid Stasis Dosage Recommendations (fl oz/cwt)

Note: The chart provides values for specific temperature and time delay ranges. The calculator interpolates based on these ranges.

Temperature (°F)	Time Delay Range (hrs)	Recommended Dosage (fl oz/cwt)
50-59	0.5 to 1	1 – 2
60-69	0.5 to 1	2 – 3
70-79	0.5 to 1	3 – 4
80-89	0.5 to 1	4 – 5
90-99	0.5 to 1	5 – 6
100-109	0.5 to 1	6 – 7
70-79	2.5 to 3	7 – 8
90-99	5.5 to 6	15 – 16
70-79	7.5 to 8	14 – 15

(Full chart values are used in calculator logic)

Euclid Stasis: Mastering Time and Enhancing Workability in Ready-Mix Concrete

At Volume Concrete, we understand that the demands of modern construction often extend beyond the traditional timeframe. Whether you're facing challenging pour locations, intricate placements, or simply require more control over your concrete's setting behavior, Euclid Stasis is your trusted solution. This advanced admixture is specifically engineered to act as a highly effective concrete retarder, providing unparalleled control over setting times and extending workability, even under demanding conditions.

What is a Concrete Retarder?

Before diving into the specifics of Euclid Stasis, it's essential to understand the fundamental role of a retarder in ready-mix concrete. Concrete, a complex mixture of cement, water, aggregates, and admixtures, undergoes a chemical reaction called hydration once water is introduced. This hydration process causes the concrete to stiffen and eventually harden.

A retarder, like Euclid Stasis, is an admixture that chemically slows down the hydration process. It doesn't stop hydration entirely, but rather moderates the rate at which it occurs. This controlled moderation translates directly into an extended period of plasticity and workability, giving contractors more time to place, consolidate, and finish the concrete without compromising its ultimate strength or performance.

How Does Euclid Stasis Work? The Science of Controlled Hydration

Euclid Stasis operates by influencing the complex chemical reactions that take place during cement hydration. Specifically, it targets the C₃S (Tricalcium Silicate) and C₃A (Tricalcium Aluminate) phases of Portland cement, which are the primary drivers of early heat generation and strength development.

Adsorption onto Cement Particles: When Euclid Stasis is introduced to the concrete mix, its chemical components adsorb onto the surface of the cement particles. This creates a barrier.
Slowing C₃A Hydration: C₃A is the fastest-reacting component in cement. It's responsible for rapid initial stiffening and the generation of early heat. Euclid Stasis effectively hinders the rapid dissolution of C₃A and the formation of early ettringite, a key hydration product. By slowing this down, it prevents premature stiffening.
Modulating C₃S Hydration: C₃S is responsible for much of the concrete's later strength. Euclid Stasis also influences the rate at which C₃S hydrates, ensuring that the overall setting process is managed rather than accelerated.
Reduced Heat of Hydration: By moderating the rate of these exothermic chemical reactions, Euclid Stasis helps to reduce the peak temperature generated within the concrete. This is particularly beneficial in larger pours or in hot weather, where excessive heat can lead to thermal cracking and reduced long-term durability.

The result is a concrete mix that remains fluid and workable for significantly longer periods, providing the crucial time needed for:

Extended Travel Distances: For jobsites that are far from the batch plant, normal concrete can begin to stiffen during transit, making placement difficult. Euclid Stasis ensures your concrete arrives at its destination with excellent workability, even after extended travel times, often extending the practical cutoff from 90 minutes to well over 120 minutes, and sometimes even longer depending on the mix design and ambient conditions.
Complex Placements: Situations requiring intricate pouring patterns, such as filling formwork with complex geometries, large foundations, or continuous pours over a long duration, benefit immensely from the extended plasticity offered by Stasis. It allows for proper consolidation without the risk of cold joints or segregation.
Hot Weather Concreting: In warmer climates or during hot weather, concrete's setting time is naturally accelerated. Euclid Stasis counteracts this effect, providing the necessary working time and mitigating the risks associated with premature stiffening and increased heat of hydration.
Shotcrete Applications: Shotcrete, whether applied pneumatically for tunneling, slope stabilization, or architectural features, relies on the concrete's ability to be sprayed and adhere to surfaces without sloughing. Euclid Stasis is exceptionally well-suited for shotcrete, as it provides the extended plasticity needed for accurate placement and a longer window for curing without premature setting, leading to superior performance and fewer application challenges.

Amazing Results Across the Volume Concrete Product Line

The effectiveness of Euclid Stasis isn't limited to specific concrete types; its benefits are realized across the entire spectrum of products offered by Volume Concrete. Whether you're using our high-strength mixes, specialized decorative concretes, or standard structural mixes, incorporating Euclid Stasis ensures:

Enhanced Workability: Provides a smooth, consistent, and extended period of plasticity, making placement and finishing operations more manageable and less rushed.
Reduced Risk of Cold Joints: By maintaining workability over longer periods, it allows for continuous placement, crucial for monolithic pours and preventing structural weaknesses that can arise from cold joints.
Improved Durability: By preventing premature stiffening and managing heat of hydration, Stasis contributes to a more uniform internal structure, leading to better long-term strength and durability.
Greater Project Efficiency: More time for placement and finishing means less stress, fewer costly delays, and more efficient use of labor and equipment.

Highly Recommended for Critical Applications

For projects where time is a critical factor, travel distances are significant, or the pouring process is inherently slow, Euclid Stasis is not just recommended – it's essential. It's a testament to our commitment at Volume Concrete to provide solutions that address the real-world challenges faced by contractors. When you need to ensure your concrete performs perfectly, from batch plant to final set, trust Euclid Stasis to deliver the control and reliability you require.

July 25, 2025

Air Entrainment in Concrete: Benefits, Challenges, and Practical Implications

Air Entrainment in Concrete: Benefits, Challenges & Practical Implications – 2026 Update

★★★★★★★★★★

Air Entrainment in Concrete
2026 Edition – Built Strong in the USA

Updated December 2025

Introduction

Air entrainment means intentionally trapping millions of microscopic air bubbles in concrete. These tiny voids (typically 0.0004 to 0.04 in. in diameter) are what make American concrete survive decades of freeze-thaw cycles, road salt, and heavy traffic.

Key Benefits

Freeze-Thaw Protection – Air voids give water a place to expand when it freezes, preventing cracking and spalling.
Improved Workability – Easier placement, better finish, less vibration needed.
Resistance to Deicing Chemicals – Dramatically reduces surface scaling from road salt.
Proven Nationwide – Standard in every state DOT spec from Alaska to Florida.

The Trade-Offs

Rough rule: every 1% of air reduces 28-day compressive strength by about 3–5%.
Too much air (>7–8%) wastes money and hurts performance.
Air can be lost in transit and especially during pumping.

Target Air Void System (U.S. Practice – 2026)

Total Air Content: 4–7% (±1.5%) by volume for frost-resistant concrete
Spacing Factor: ≤ 0.008 in. (the lower the better)
Specific Surface: 400–700 in²/in³

Standard tests: ASTM C231 (pressure method) and ASTM C173 (volumetric method).

Factors That Affect Air Content on the Job

Factor	Effect on Air Content
Finer cement or high fly-ash content	Decreases air
Higher sand percentage	Increases air
Water reducers / superplasticizers	Increases air
Long haul time	Decreases air
Retempering with water	Usually increases air
Pumping	Largest loss – typically 1 to 3% drop
Excessive vibration or finishing	Drives air out

Always test air content at the point of placement – never trust the batch plant ticket alone.

Pumping & Air Loss

Pumping is the #1 cause of air loss on American jobsites. Fix it by increasing the air-entraining admixture dosage 10–20% at the plant and confirming air content at the discharge hose.

Conclusion

Properly air-entrained concrete remains the gold standard for durable pavements, bridges, and structures across the United States. A little extra attention to mix design, testing, and pump compensation delivers concrete that lasts generations.

May 28, 2025

Chemical Admixtures for Ready Mix Concrete

Chemical admixtures are used in ready mix concrete to enhance its properties and performance. Here are some common types of chemical admixtures and their uses:

1. Water-Reducing Admixtures:

Purpose: Reduce the amount of water needed for a given workability, increasing strength and reducing permeability.
Common Chemicals: Lignosulfonates, polycarboxylate ethers.

2. Retarding Admixtures:

Purpose: Delay the setting time of concrete, useful in hot weather conditions or for large pours to prevent cold joints.
Common Chemicals: Calcium sulfate, sugars.

3. Accelerating Admixtures:

Purpose: Speed up the setting time and early strength development, beneficial in cold weather or for fast-track construction.
Common Chemicals: Calcium chloride, triethanolamine.

4. Superplasticizers (High-Range Water Reducers):

Purpose: Provide significant increase in workability without adding extra water, ideal for high-strength concrete and complex formwork.
Common Chemicals: Polycarboxylate ethers, sulfonated naphthalene formaldehyde.

5. Air-Entraining Admixtures:

Purpose: Introduce and stabilize microscopic air bubbles in concrete, improving its resistance to freeze-thaw cycles.
Common Chemicals: Vinsol resin, fatty acids.

6. Corrosion Inhibitors:

Purpose: Protect reinforcing steel from corrosion, enhancing the durability of concrete structures exposed to chlorides.
Common Chemicals: Calcium nitrite, sodium nitrite.

7. Shrinkage-Reducing Admixtures:

Purpose: Minimize shrinkage and reduce the risk of cracking in concrete.
Common Chemicals: Polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether.

8. Alkali-Silica Reactivity (ASR) Inhibitors:

Purpose: Prevent the reaction between alkalis in cement and reactive silica in aggregates, which can cause expansion and cracking.
Common Chemicals: Lithium nitrate.

9. Waterproofing Admixtures:

Purpose: Reduce the permeability of concrete, making it more resistant to water penetration.
Common Chemicals: Silicones, stearates.

10. Bonding Admixtures:

Purpose: Improve the bond between old and new concrete surfaces.
Common Chemicals: Synthetic latexes (like styrene-butadiene).

Benefits of Using Chemical Admixtures:

Enhanced Workability: Improves the ease of placing and finishing concrete.
Increased Durability: Enhances resistance to environmental factors.
Optimized Setting Time: Adjusts setting time for different construction needs.
Cost Efficiency: Reduces the overall cost by improving performance and reducing the need for additional materials.

Considerations:

Compatibility: Ensure admixtures are compatible with other materials used in the concrete mix.
Dosage: Proper dosage is crucial to achieve the desired effect without compromising the concrete quality.
Environmental Conditions: Select admixtures based on the specific environmental conditions and project requirements.

May 27, 2024

Grouted Brick Prism

Volume Concrete Delivers Grout for Grouted Brick Prisms

Masons like the Grout from Volume Concrete thanks to the freshness (mixed on-site), and the ability to adjust the slump on-the-fly, and vary the sack amount for the cement component.

Admixtures on board include Viscosity Modifiers for increasing the flowability and increasing the consolidation around rebar and other components that may lead to blockage.

The Grout from Volume Concrete is easily pumpable through a small line pump thanks to lack of aggregates and the increased amount of fine sands.

This particular Grout is a High-Strength Flowable Fill with p.s.i. strengths exceeding the 2000psi requirement usually required in the local market.

Mix Design: 2500psi 9 Sack Grout

Here are some recent test results for 28 day strength. PC2500 GROUT

Call Dispatch to order Grout and don’t forget the Pump!

Up to 9 Sacks per Cubic Yard depending on job-site requirements.

Testing Exceeding: ASTM C1314 & C1552

April 7, 2019

Cold Weather Concrete Success Tips using Accelerators and Water Reducing Admixtures

The winter months can make concrete a challenge. Anything below 32 degrees Fahrenheit is not recommended especially considering if the ground is frozen solid.

Concrete is in a plastic state (wet) when initially delivered and mixed. This wet product will have a tendency to freeze just like water. Once a concrete mix has frozen, it is worthless.

To avoid the costly mistake of frozen concrete a few steps must be taken.

Always use hot water and an admixture containing an accelerator and a water reducer (WR). An accelerator alone is often sufficient until temperatures become exceedingly cold. By using an additional admixture WR, the probability of the concrete turning into frozen crystals is less.

Another important aspect to cold weather concreting is the reduction of exposure to the elements. Cold weather insulating blankets are a necessity when it is critical to maintain the temperature within the plastic concrete. Once the hot water and admixtures have been mixed, the concrete has thus started it’s chemical reaction. It is very important to not re-temp the concrete by adding more water or chemicals.

Volume Concrete LLC., uses admixtures that meet ASTM C494 type C accelerating and type E WR, requirements.

November 28, 2018

Hot Water Every Load

The time is here and the temperatures are dropping. The HOT WATER is in every delivery and already included in the price, no additional charges.

Volume Concrete LLC., uses hot fresh potable clean water for all loads and deliveries beginning in October through April.

Hot water acts as a catalyst to help kickstart the chemical reaction that occurs when hydrating cement. This will help the concrete achieve an early set during colder temperatures.

November 9, 2018

Why use Air Entrainment in freshly poured concrete?

Volume Concrete LLC., Certificate of Compliance MasterAir®+AE+200 BASF

The key to a high quality concrete in addition to high quality cement is the admixtures. Today’s chemicals for concrete and the construction industry are suited for a variety of applications. This particular chemical is Air Entrainment from BASF.

In the process of making concrete the agitation causes a certain amount of air bubbles to be generated within the freshly mixed concrete. This amount of naturally occurring air bubbles is roughly 2% on average. The necessity to have air bubbles in concrete is due to the frost and freeze cycles we generate in Oregon.

The more air bubbles (up to a certain point), helps the concrete withstand the severity of the frost/freeze. The cold weather will cause the moisture that can be trapped within the cellular structure of concrete to freeze causing the surface to “pop off” or spalling. More air bubbles from the Air Entrainment Admix = less moisture to freeze.

Spalling concrete is bad, causes more problems down the road and thus can be avoided by adding more Air to the concrete during the mixing process. Volume Concrete LLC., uses the finest quality chemicals sourced from BASF. All the admixtures we use are compatible with themselves.

Thanks to the Crew at Roadmaster, our mixer trucks have robust measuring and calculating capabilities for correct dosage of all admixtures we carry.

March 9, 2018

Category: Admixtures