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ADMIXTURES
Tarmac offers a wide variety of liquid admixtures. These admixtures are
additives, which used in the correct proportions, can tremendously enhance the
performance of the concrete depending upon the desired result.
- Retarding Admixtures - Retarding admixtures are highly recommended
for use in all concrete where a delay rate of hardening is necessary. The use
of retarding admixtures is important where thin concrete sections are present.
The retarding admixtures provide for more uniform setting characteristics.
Since concrete setting times are dramatically influenced by ambient
temperature, the use of retarding admixtures are strongly recommended during
hot weather. These admixtures allow for "normal" setting times under these
conditions. Also, the use of retarding admixtures usually leads to higher
ultimate strengths in concrete.
- Accelerating Admixtures - Accelerating admixtures are recommended
for use in concrete where high early strength gain is required. Use of these
admixtures allows for quicker strength gain while still using comparable
cement factors. Accelerating admixtures are highly recommended while placing
concrete in cold weather. This allows for earlier finishing of the slab,
reduced protection time, earlier stripping and reuse of forms, and earlier
structural use of the concrete. Where specifications require, Tarmac can also
provide non-chloride accelerating admixtures.
- Water Reducing Admixtures - The use of excessive water is perhaps
the most common, and most damaging practices during concrete placement. One of
the key factors in determining concrete strength is water/cement ratio. Water
reducing admixtures allow for the production of concrete of a given design
strength at a higher slump without the addition of extra water. Water reducing
admixtures generally fall in three broad categories: Normal, Mid Range, and
High Range (superplasticizers}. Normal water reducing admixtures are generally
used in concrete mixes designed for applications where no special slump
requirements exist. Mid Range water reducing admixtures are used where a
slightly higher than normal slump is desired, usually because of special
placement requirements. High Range water reducing admixtures
(superplasticizers) are used where high slump requirements exist because of
placement problems. High Range water reducers are also very useful in concrete
where workability (ease of placement) is necessary, but a low water/cement
ratio is specified. Water reducing admixtures also eliminate segregation of the
components of plastic concrete.
- Corrosion Inhibiting Admixture - When steel reinforcement (steel
rebar) is specified to be used in the concrete structure, corrosion of the
steel becomes a factor. To overcome this problem, Tarmac offers corrosion
inhibiting admixture. Corrosion inhibiting admixtures chemically restrict the
corrosive action of chlorides on reinforcing steel and prestressed strands
in concrete.
- Anti-Washout Admixure - Anti-washout admixtures, developed for use
in concrete placed under water, is available. Use of this admixture produces a
concrete mixture that is highly resistant to washout of cement and fines. The
anti-washout admixture virtually eliminates segregation of materials in the
mix, while dramatically reducing the environmental impact of cement washout in
the water.
- Silica Fume Mineral Admixture - This material is a dry, compacted,
very fine material that when added to concrete physically fills the voids
between cement particles. Silica fume also reacts chemically within the
concrete, reducing permeability of the concrete. An extremely strong and
durable concrete is the result. Concrete produced using silica fume
dramatically reduces the intrusion of water, chlorides, sulfates, and other
aggressive chemicals that can have detrimental effects on concrete and
reinforcing steel.
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