Concrete Additives
Concrete is used in construction of buildings, bridges, etc. to give them strength. There are many additives that are mixed with concrete to increase strength. These additives are added to the water cement in small quantities in order to increase the strength and durability of concrete. There are many forms of Concrete additives, which are as follows.
Various types of Concrete Additives
Water reducing: This additive is used to reduce the ration of water and cement. When there is a large project where steel reinforcement is needed for high workability, this additive is used. This additive is also used in strengthening concrete and increases its durability.
Accelerating additives: The process of hydration of cement is increased with the help of these additives. These additives are good for concrete especially in cold weather. One of the most common additives is calcium chloride and used in non-reinforced concrete.
Air entertainment: These additives are used to check the microscopic air bubbles and stabilize them in concrete. The size of these air bubbles is 0.3mm. These additives protect the concrete from getting cracked. The air also helps in segregating the concrete before it sets.
Shrinkage reducers: Such additives are added in concrete, which is to be used for constructing decks of bridges or slabs of the floor. Shrinkage in concrete occurs due to loss of water. These causes crack in the slabs. Shrinkage additives are used to reduce the shrinkage and increase durability.
Corrosion preventers: These additives are added in the concrete, which is used in the construction of parking structures, bridges, and marine structures. These structures are made in those areas where chloride salts are present and they corrode the steel. The corrosion preventers reduces steel corrosion and increases the durability of concrete.
Benefits of additives of concrete
The additives of concrete provide strength to concrete and reduce corrosion, cracking. In this way the durability of concrete increases.
