How concrete gains strength and how to accelerate hardening

Screeds in indoor spaces, fences, paving slabs, and much more are made of concrete. Working with a concrete mixture is not easy, because you have to wait a long time for it to dry before proceeding to the next stage. To increase strength and reduce concrete hardening time, special additives are used.

How a Setting Accelerator Affects Concrete

The following effects are expected from an additive introduced into cement for strength:

• increasing frost resistance, strength, and water resistance;
• giving the mixture elasticity and mobility;
• reducing hardening time;
• reducing concrete consumption.

Additives can be used separately, but a single concrete setting accelerator cannot possess all these characteristics. To improve the performance properties of the concrete mixture, it is better to combine different additives.

The main problem when working with concrete is the impossibility of its operation at low temperatures. Impurities added to concrete for strength, sold at "Budprom", allow working with the mixture even at sub-zero temperatures. Depending on their purpose, they perform different functions.

1. Plasticizing concrete. Such additives equalize the proportions of water in the concrete, thereby increasing the mobility of the mass, reducing the amount of water, but improving strength and frost resistance. Plasticizers add mobility to the mixture and are divided into 4 types – weak (up to 5%), medium (5%), strong (10%), and super-strong (from 20%).
2. Adding air-entraining impurities to the mortar for strength increases the porosity of the concrete and resistance to frost, but strength decreases. The substance should be added carefully and in minimal doses.
3. The hardening process can be reduced to 2-3 hours with the use of hardening accelerators. Relevant for multi-layer pouring and exterior work in the cold season.
4. For durability and water resistance, densifying and gas-forming additives are used. The latter are used in the manufacture of aerated concrete.

Anti-corrosion impurities are also used, which protect the reinforcement from rust.

Universal Additives for Concrete Hardening

Some impurities should be selected based on the requirements for the concrete mixture. But there are options that are suitable for all types of concrete. As a concrete setting accelerator, calcium chloride is often used in construction.

The components of the substance prevent moisture from the mortar from evaporating quickly in the warm period, and accelerate the hardening process in the cold season. The advantages of the additive also include low cost. It is worth buying calcium chloride at "Budprom" for enterprises engaged in the manufacture of concrete blanks and other types of concrete products.

As a reinforcing substance in construction, polypropylene fiber is used. It is applied in decorative and finishing works. It is used as an alternative to steel meshes, increasing the strength of the product. If large loads are not planned on the concrete structure, then the use of fiber will be the best and most economically profitable solution.

All these impurities can be purchased at the "Budprom" company at favorable prices.