FAQs
What are EdenCrete® products?
EdenCrete® products are liquid admixtures which improve the durability and strength of concrete.
What is the difference between EdenCrete®, EdenCrete Pz®, and EdenCrete Pz7®?
- EdenCrete® is the original, flagship product. It can be used in all types of concrete mixes and production methods, and improves durability, ductility, and in some cases strength.
- EdenCrete Pz® and Pz7® utilize a different chemistry than EdenCrete®, however they still improve concrete durability and can be used in the same applications. They are specifically intended to provide higher strength in mixes containing fly ash and/or slag as a replacement for cement, but also provide benefits in straight-cement mixes.
How does EdenCrete® work?
Carbon nanotubes fortify the cement paste matrix, making concrete stronger at its base level. They allow for more efficient hydration by acting as nucleation points for CSH crystal growth. This helps increase strength and reduce the permeability of concrete, which in turn reduces the migration of moisture and all of its associated damaging effects. The combination of benefits provided by Edencrete® products increase the durability of concrete significantly by reducing the propagation of nano-scale cracks, which helps minimize scaling and keeps the exposed surface intact.
What is a carbon nanotube?
A carbon nanotube, or CNT, is a hollow, straw-like tube of carbon atoms whose walls are a single atom thick. Multi-walled CNTs used in EdenCrete® contain multiple CNTs nested within one another.
Who manufactures the carbon nanotubes used to make EdenCrete® products?
Eden Innovations manufactures our own carbon nanotubes used to make EdenCrete® products.
Do EdenCrete® products impact the fresh properties of concrete?
EdenCrete® products improve the rheology of the concrete, making it creamier and easier to finish. In the field at typical doses, EdenCrete® products do not generally affect air content, slump, or set time by a significant amount.
What hardened properties of concrete are improved by EdenCrete® products?
EdenCrete® products improve the durability, constructibility, and strength of cementitious products. Specifically, EdenCrete® products improve concrete strength (compressive, flexural, and/or split-tensile) and abrasion resistance. Concrete made with EdenCrete® products is more resistant to cracking in general, and has lower permeability and shrinkage. EdenCrete® products have also been used to help mititgate alkali-silica reaction (ASR) both with and without the presence of Class F fly ash. Improved hardened properties result in longer-lasting concrete that is more resistant to freeze-thaw attack, chemical attack, and everyday wear and tear.
Does the inclusion of EdenCrete® products reduce the need for secondary reinforcement (i.e. wire mesh, micro-fibers, etc.)?
The improved strength and ductility of concrete made with EdenCrete® may in some cases allow for the reduction (or removal) of secondary reinforcement from concrete. It is always the Engineer’s decision to reduce or eliminate steel from their design, however, contractors commonly use EdenCrete® in lieu of micro fibers and/or welded wire mesh to help mitigate cracking and shrinkage for residential and commercial applications.
Can I reduce the thickness of a concrete slab design by incorporating EdenCrete®?
It is always the Engineer’s decision, but improvements provided by EdenCrete® products may in some cases allow for reduced thickness of the concrete. For more information, please see the case study for ‘Railcar Repair Facility’ in the case studies page of our website.
Does the inclusion of EdenCrete® allow for a reduction in the total cementitious in a concrete mix?
EdenCrete® products can result in higher strengths from a given mix design, which can allow for optimization of total cementitious content or an increased percentage of supplemental cementitious materials (SCM) for that mix. After optimization using EdenCrete® products, the resulting lower cement/higher SCM mix can achieve strength comparable to or greater than that of the original mix design.
Does the inclusion of EdenCrete® products allow for a reduction in the other admixtures?
EdenCrete® products are ASTM Typs S admixtures. As such, they are not designed to act as water reducers, air entrainers, or other type-specific admixtures. However, some deviation in plastic properties may be noted outside typical dose ranges. Therefore, it is important to test EdenCrete® products in a proposed mix design to determine optimal dose rates of our and other admixture products.
Will EdenCrete® change the color of my concrete?
Generally, no. In gray or white concrete, or in concrete containing an integral color, the effect of EdenCrete® products is minimal and will not impede the effectiveness of the color additive. As with any admixture, testing is recommended prior to placement.
How are EdenCrete® products dosed into conventional ready-mix concrete? Precast concrete?
EdenCrete® products are dispensed with direct feed dispensing equipment commonly used for admixtures at any type of concrete production plant.
When are EdenCrete® products sequenced in the mixing process?
EdenCrete® products should be added at the plant during the batching process, introduced after all other admixtures have been added to the mixer and dispensing should end before the addition of tail water is complete. For small projects, EdenCrete® products can be added by hand or bucket, directly into the truck or mixer. Ensure thorough mixing after the addition of EdenCrete® products by giving the mixing drum at least 70 additional revolutions.
How much does EdenCrete® increase the cost of concrete?
The cost per treated yard of concrete is based upon the dosage, and the dosage varies depending upon the desired performance. While the inclusion of EdenCrete® products could potentially increase the up-front cost of your concrete mix, it is in the extension of the service life, in-service durability, and reduced maintenance schedule where EdenCrete® products provides significant savings to the customer. The cost of EdenCrete® products is typically offset by cement reduction and mix design optimization. Contact an EdenCrete® Sales Representative to discuss pricing options further.
Does Eden provide dispensing equipment for permanent implementation at a plant?
Yes, customers with bulk usage agreements will be provided with a state-of-the-art, direct feed dispensing system which provides adequate storage conditions to hold EdenCrete® product inventory. Troubleshooting and routine maintenance will be included as part of the agreement.
How can I reach someone to discuss or to purchase EdenCrete®?
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 303-468-1705
In what volume containers is EdenCrete® available for purchase?
5-gal bucket, 55-gal drum, 275-gal tote, up to 4000-gal bulk tanker.
Is freight included in the cost of the EdenCrete®?
No.
What is the shelf-life of EdenCrete® products?
12 months from delivery.
Do EdenCrete® products require special storage conditions?
EdenCrete® should be stored out of direct UV rays/sunlight, and between 40 to 95° F (5 to 35° C). Do not expose to freezing conditions.
EdenCrete® Pz and Pz7 should be stored in 23 – 122° F (-5 to 50° C).
Please contact your EdenCrete® representative or refer to the Technical Data Sheet for more information.
If EdenCrete® products are spilled, can it be washed down the sewer or city drain?
No. It is prohibited to allow EdenCrete® products to enter any U.S. stream or waterway. Additional details are provided in the Safety Data Sheet. Emergency cleanup services for bulk customers are contracted via PegEx (https://pegex.com/).
Is EdenCrete® commercially available for purchase, or is it only available via distribution centers?
Yes, EdenCrete® products are available through your regional sales specialist.
Is EdenCrete® available for purchase internationally?
EdenCrete® products are available for purchase and shipping to anywhere in the world.
Beginning in 2020, EdenCrete® products will be available in Australia and New Zealand through our Distributor, Parchem Construction Supplies. EdenCrete® inquiries in Australia and New Zealand can be directed to Parchem’s Business Development Manager – Admixtures & Grinding Aids, Tasha Eagle. E: [email protected] M: +61 439 399 525.