Concrete Admixture Types
ASTM Definitions of Admixture Types, Application, Purpose, and Benefits
According to the American Society of Testing and Materials, there are 7 types of concrete admixtures. These are:
- Water-reducing admixtures (Type A): These reduce the amount of water used in concrete by around 5-12%.
- Retarding admixtures (Type B): These slow concrete’s setting rate, helping a mixture to retain its fresh mix state longer, staving off the transition into the final hardened form.
- Accelerating admixtures (Type C): which shorten concrete’s setting time, consequently enabling it to develop strength faster.
- Water-reducing and retarding admixtures (Type D): These reduce water penetration in concrete and slow down the initial reaction between water and the cement in the mixture.
- Water-reducing and accelerating admixtures (Type E): These reduce the amount of water needed to make concrete while facilitating early strength development by accelerating the setting rate.
- Water-reducing, high-range admixtures (Type F): These have compounds that reduce the amount of water needed to achieve optimum workability in concrete.
- Water-reducing, high-range, and retarding admixtures (Type G): These are also known as superplasticizers and are formulated to ensure concrete retains its workability over an extended period without using up too much water or setting prematurely.
Admixtures for Compressive and Flexural Strength
Certain admixtures like high-range water-reducing and accelerating admixtures increase concrete’s compressive and flexural strength. They are suitable for projects that must be supported by concrete able to withstand impressive loads for extended periods without failing under pressure.
Admixtures for Durability
Admixtures also enhance the durability of concrete. For instance, water-reducing admixtures reduce permeability and lower the water/cement ratio required to maintain workability, thereby encouraging longer lifespans. EdenCrete® products contain carbon nanotubes designed to improve durability by filling in nanoscopic spaces between hydrated cement particles. This reduces permeability, increases abrasion resistance, and reduces micro-cracking, extending the life of the concrete even further.
Admixtures for Workability of Material
Several workability-enhancing admixtures are available. They are designed to produce desirable outcomes like reduced water usage and early strength development without compromising workability. Construction experts and project owners who want fresh concrete that is easy to place, consolidate, and finish should consider using EdenCrete® products to enhance workability.
Admixtures for Job Site Requirements
Certain job sites can have unique circumstances or requirements that necessitate the use of certain admixtures. For example, if a job site is a long distance from the concrete plant, hydration stabilizers and/or retarders can be used to accommodate long drive times. In excessively hot weather, retarders can also help prevent premature set of the concrete. Accelerators can be used in cold weather or when the construction schedule needs to be sped up, for instance in an emergency road repair job.
Specialized Admixtures
Specialty (specialized) admixtures are products that can be added in different circumstances and situations to influence specific properties. For example, in projects that demand improved abrasion resistance, you can use EdenCrete® to meet that requirement.
Admixture Companies
Examples of companies that manufacture admixtures are Sika, GCP Applied Technologies, BASF, Euclid Chemical, and Eden Innovations. While most of the admixture companies produce a wide range of admixtures, Eden Innovations is unique in that it focuses on its innovative EdenCrete® line of carbon nanotube-enriched Type S specialty admixtures. EdenCrete® is unique in that it delivers many benefits to the concrete using a single admixture, whereas many other traditional admixtures only target one or two concrete properties.
Admixture industry and use worldwide
According to experts, the global admixture market is expected to reach $31.44 billion in 2028, a spike from the $18.09 billion recorded in 2021. Predictions say increasing construction activities and higher demands for concrete admixtures will fuel the worldwide trend. An increase in the use of ready-mix concrete, especially in developing countries, is also expected to drive growth in the industry.
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