Why Use Concrete Ad Mixers?
In one of our previous posts, we talked about the art of curing concrete and the many subtleties of the process. While pouring concrete can be seen as a manly job, under adverse circumstances, the experience can resemble the complex art of baking a cake or a soufflé! Very much like baking, the secret of a good concrete lies in its recipe, temperature control, good timing and the quality of its ingredients. Master all of the above and you are on your way to be a pro. Warning, this may take years of practice! This being said, some helpful additives can make the process a little more predictable and less nerve racking for beginners and pros alike!
Additives are not new, in fact, they date at least as far back as the Romans and Egyptians. Romans, for instance, figured out that by adding horse hair to concrete, it lessened the chances of cracks forming during the curing process. Egyptians builders were facing another challenge with the annual flooding of the Nile river. Necessity being the mother of invention, they discovered that incorporating volcanic ash to the mix would allow the concrete to set under water.
With global warming and more extreme weather patterns all over the world, handling concrete can be even more challenging than before. What if your job requires high-strength concrete, protection from steel corrosion, cold or hot weather protection, more flowability, crack control, protection against freeze-thaw cycles? How about a special finish coat for a different look and texture?
This is where various concrete admixtures come to the rescue! Animal lovers will be happy to know that chemical and mineral alternatives are now readily available! In general, most products either accelerate or delay the process of pouring concrete.
Fritz-Pak Delayed Set
If, for some reason, you need more time to complete a job, you don't want your concrete to dry out on you. So by adding a delaying agent you improve the concrete workability and extend the plasticity of your concrete for longer use and even re-use without reducing the strength of the finished product. This also means that you will save on labor, freight cost for the disposal of waste concrete. Fritz-Pak Standard Delayed Set is a good example.
On the other hand, if you are a mason or contractor and need your concrete or mortar to set faster without affecting its strength, you need to use a mortar set accelerator. It can speed the set time by 1-3 hours depending on the dosage. Fritz-pak has a mortar set accelerator product that doesn't cause steel corrosion, can be used in all weather and works with all types of concrete.
In addition to retarders and accelerators, you have plasticizers. They are used to produce stronger, more durable and less permeable concrete without affecting the water-cement ratio.
Concrete Pump Cleaner/Primer
There are concrete additives for your equipment too. To make your pumping equipment last longer, we recommend you use powder concrete pump primer like Slick-Willie, to coat the inside wall of your pipe and hose system for maximum protection. It works on any pumps and comes in the form of white odorless granular powder chemically-neutral and environmentally safe. This being said, as always, contractors should be careful when handling granular powder, while mixing, spraying, sanding, grinding etc. The powder could be irritating to lungs, eyes and skin, so avoid breathing dust, avoid direct contact with eyes and handle with gloves.
There are many more types of additives on the market, some are for special finishes, some to correct problems that occur with certain equipment like "false-set" symptoms with volumetric concrete mixers. The industry has come a long way in this area.
If you have any question about concrete additives or concrete pumps, don't hesitate to talk to Dick Hibbard at United Equipment Sales at (503)283-2105. With over 40 years of experience in the industry, he is an encyclopedia of practical knowledge! If you are a green builder, do check his complete line of eco-friendly concrete cleaning products.
Remember, work smarter not harder!
Additives are not new, in fact, they date at least as far back as the Romans and Egyptians. Romans, for instance, figured out that by adding horse hair to concrete, it lessened the chances of cracks forming during the curing process. Egyptians builders were facing another challenge with the annual flooding of the Nile river. Necessity being the mother of invention, they discovered that incorporating volcanic ash to the mix would allow the concrete to set under water.
With global warming and more extreme weather patterns all over the world, handling concrete can be even more challenging than before. What if your job requires high-strength concrete, protection from steel corrosion, cold or hot weather protection, more flowability, crack control, protection against freeze-thaw cycles? How about a special finish coat for a different look and texture?
This is where various concrete admixtures come to the rescue! Animal lovers will be happy to know that chemical and mineral alternatives are now readily available! In general, most products either accelerate or delay the process of pouring concrete.
Fritz-Pak Delayed Set
If, for some reason, you need more time to complete a job, you don't want your concrete to dry out on you. So by adding a delaying agent you improve the concrete workability and extend the plasticity of your concrete for longer use and even re-use without reducing the strength of the finished product. This also means that you will save on labor, freight cost for the disposal of waste concrete. Fritz-Pak Standard Delayed Set is a good example.
On the other hand, if you are a mason or contractor and need your concrete or mortar to set faster without affecting its strength, you need to use a mortar set accelerator. It can speed the set time by 1-3 hours depending on the dosage. Fritz-pak has a mortar set accelerator product that doesn't cause steel corrosion, can be used in all weather and works with all types of concrete.
In addition to retarders and accelerators, you have plasticizers. They are used to produce stronger, more durable and less permeable concrete without affecting the water-cement ratio.
Concrete Pump Cleaner/Primer
There are concrete additives for your equipment too. To make your pumping equipment last longer, we recommend you use powder concrete pump primer like Slick-Willie, to coat the inside wall of your pipe and hose system for maximum protection. It works on any pumps and comes in the form of white odorless granular powder chemically-neutral and environmentally safe. This being said, as always, contractors should be careful when handling granular powder, while mixing, spraying, sanding, grinding etc. The powder could be irritating to lungs, eyes and skin, so avoid breathing dust, avoid direct contact with eyes and handle with gloves.
There are many more types of additives on the market, some are for special finishes, some to correct problems that occur with certain equipment like "false-set" symptoms with volumetric concrete mixers. The industry has come a long way in this area.
If you have any question about concrete additives or concrete pumps, don't hesitate to talk to Dick Hibbard at United Equipment Sales at (503)283-2105. With over 40 years of experience in the industry, he is an encyclopedia of practical knowledge! If you are a green builder, do check his complete line of eco-friendly concrete cleaning products.
Remember, work smarter not harder!
