Additives for concrete - a universal assistant in difficult

Construction technologies must be constantly improved in order to satisfy the demands of the modern consumer. So, now began to be widely used additives to concrete. These substances are designed to improve the technical characteristics of the material.

Main types of additives

There are many varieties of these mixtures, which are very different from each other. In particular, they have differences in their functions.

Antifreeze

These magnificent facilities make it possible to conduct construction even in the harsh Russian winters.

In particular, they introduce the following properties into the solution:

• Allow to do the batch at low temperatures. Many are interested in the question, at what temperature are additives added to concrete? On average, this is minus 15 degrees, but there are some brands of cement that can be used at lower temperatures.
• Give concrete construction strength.
• Significantly slow down the curing process.

Interestingly, the lower the air temperature, the faster the concrete hardens. In certain situations, this property can play a cruel joke.

• Give the mixture anti-corrosion properties..

However, this composition has its own contraindications.

The instruction states that it cannot be used in the following cases:

• During the rain.
• In conditions of relative humidity over 60%.
• If the aggregate has a silica content above normal at 50 mg / mol. This is dangerous because in such a case, deadly pores are formed in the structure.
• When used in the construction of steel fittings.

Plasticizers

They are substances that increase the plasticity (elasticity) of the material.

They perform the following roles:

• Increased mobility up to four classes.
• Lower water consumption.
• Elimination of effects such as water separation and stratification.

Note! The amount of plasticizer is limited, and it depends on the mass of the mixture and the type of polymer.

Superplasticizers

This variety is more efficient, so its price is much higher. However, the effectiveness of such additives fully justifies this. In particular, they can significantly reduce the consumption of cement.

They are divided into two groups:

• Chemical, added in small quantities mixture. They improve the various characteristics of concrete.
• Fine materials (ash, sand, slag, etc.). That they add to save cement. It is worth saying that when adding such substances, diamond drilling of holes in concrete will be complicated by a heterogeneous structure.

Reinforcing

Such additives have been added to the strength of the mixture for many years. Their main function is to compensate for the load. Simply put, they take on the bulk of the load.

The scope of their application is very large: from laying the foundation to the construction of bridges.

Consider the main types of reinforcing additives.

• Polypropylene fiber. Synthetic material that interacts well with cement, but does not dissolve in it.
• Armature - metal elements added to the mixture to increase strength. To date, no impressive pouring of concrete is complete without such an additive. It is these elements that take on all the load. If you need to cut a piece of concrete, you will face serious difficulties due to the presence of pieces of iron in it. However, cutting reinforced concrete with diamond circles will facilitate this task.
• Metal grid. Another no less popular type, which is used for a very long time. Allows you to evenly distribute the load.
• Basalt fiber for concrete gives the mixture an "astringent" effect at the micro level. As a result, the solution dries much faster and becomes more durable.

Waterproofing

They are added to the mixture for waterproofing, that is, to increase it. This feature is denoted by the letter "W". It is very important when designing large structures.

Special additives form a crystalline structure during the hydration of cement, which forms ettringite. This substance fills the pores in the concrete, so that there does not accumulate moisture, carrying a destructive effect. Basically, these additives are used when laying the foundation, because in other cases it is not necessary to increase the waterproofing properties of concrete.

Curing accelerators

From the name, it is obvious what function these additives perform. They are needed when it is necessary to apply the following layers as quickly as possible, for example, when constructing pools.

Tip: Experts recommend using them with plasticizers. In this case, the design will be as strong as possible.

Pigments

Such substances are added to the solution to give it any color. They are obtained by the oxidation of various metals. Enjoy wide popularity among tilers.

Some brands

If you decide to knead the solution with the addition of additives, then you probably want to know the specific brand. Therefore, in the table below we will look at some of them.

At last

At the same time, we will complete our story, but if something remains incomprehensible to you, then you should not be upset. In the presented video in this article you will find additional information on this topic. With its help, you can certainly understand all the nuances.