Concrete Technology Assignment: Topic: Various Types of Chemicals and Its Applications
Concrete Technology Assignment: Topic: Various Types of Chemicals and Its Applications
Concrete Technology Assignment: Topic: Various Types of Chemicals and Its Applications
ASSIGNMENT
Admixtures are materials other than cement, aggregate and water that are
added to concrete either before or during its mixing to alter its properties,
such as workability, curing temperature range, set time or color. Some
admixtures have been in use for a very long time in concrete construction,
such as calcium chloride to provide a cold-weather setting concrete.
Based on their functions, admixtures can be classified into the following five
major categories:
Retarding admixtures
Accelerating admixtures
Super plasticizers
Water reducing admixtures
Air-entraining admixtures
Among other important admixtures that do not fit into these categories are
admixtures whose functions include bonding, shrinkage reduction, damp
proofing and coloring. The following paragraphs provides details on the
above-mentioned categories of concrete admixtures.
Retarding Admixtures :
Accelerating admixtures :
Super plasticizers :
Each type of super plasticizer has defined ranges for the required quantities
of concrete mix ingredients, along with the corresponding effects. They can
maintain a specific consistency and workability at a greatly reduced amount
of water. Dosages needed vary by the particular concrete mix and type of
super plasticizer used. They can also produce a high strength concrete. As
with most types of admixtures, super plasticizers can affect other concrete
properties as well. The specific effects, however, should be found from the
manufacturer or concrete supplier.
Air-entraining agents entrain small air bubbles in the concrete. The major
benefit of this is enhanced durability in freeze-thaw cycles, especially
relevant in cold climates. While some strength loss typically accompanies
increased air in concrete, it generally can be overcome by reducing the
water-cement ratio via improved workability (due to the air-entraining agent
itself) or through the use of other appropriate admixtures. As always,
admixtures should only be combined in a concrete mix by a competent
professional because some of them can interact in undesirable ways.
Bonding admixtures :
Coloring agents have become more commonly used, especially for patios
and walkways. Most are surface applied and often have the additional effect
of surface hardening. Such surface applied coloring admixtures generally
should not be used on air-entrained concrete. Integrally colored concrete is
also available.