What are Admixtures?
Admixtures are natural or manufactured chemicals which are added to the concrete before or during mixing. The most often-used admixtures are air-entraining agents, water reducers, water-reducing retarders and accelerators. WHY Use Admixtures? Admixtures are used to give special properties to fresh or hardened concrete. Admixtures may enhance the durability, workability or strength characteristics of a given concrete mixture. Admixtures are used to overcome difficult construction situations, such as hot or cold weather placements, pumping requirements, early strength requirements, or very low water-cement ratio specifications. HOW to Use Admixtures? Consult your ready mixed concrete supplier about which admixture(s) may be appropriate for your application. Admixtures are evaluated for compatibility with cementitious materials, construction practices, job specifications and economic benefits before being used. Follow this Guide to Use Admixtures: 1.
