Volume Concrete – READY MIX CONCRETE PRODUCTS

Tag: accelerator

  • Chemical Admixtures for Ready Mix Concrete

    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.

    accelerator air entrainment backfill buy concrete calculator Carbon Footprint cdf cellular concrete cellular grout cement cement delivery cement driveway cement in Multnomah county cement in Portland cement patio Clackamas County Concrete concrete Concrete Delivery Concrete in 97009 concrete in Clackamas County Concrete in Multnomah County Concrete in Portland concrete in SE Portland concrete in the Pacific Northwest concrete near me concrete pump construction leads driveway FAQ's grout LDCC leads generator line pump mixed concrete mobile concrete NE Portland Concrete order concrete purchase concrete rapid set ready mix concrete SE Portland concrete small batch concrete video volume calculator volume of concrete

  • 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.

  • Hot Water Every Load

    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.