Air-Entraining Concrete

Air-Entraining Concrete

Aerated Concrete

BC250

Creates Stable Air Bubbles in Concrete

Increases Freeze Resistance

Product Description: Air-Entraining Concrete

What is Air-Entraining Concrete?

Air-Entraining Concrete is an additive for concrete that forms uniform, spherical, micronized air bubbles within the mix. These bubbles distribute evenly in the concrete, providing increased durability and resistance against damage caused by freezing and de-icing salts. It helps reduce permeability and increases the lifespan of the concrete, especially against repeated freeze-thaw cycles. In cases where the concrete mix has an appropriate particle size distribution, this product significantly reduces water bleeding in the mixture. Additionally, it improves the bond and consistency of the concrete, reducing water bleeding and aggregate segregation.

In general, air bubbles play a crucial role in concrete. Fine air bubbles in concrete are essential for increasing performance, especially in freeze-resistant concrete. Achieving precise grading of the air voids is crucial for concrete exposed to freezing conditions.

Mechanism of Action

How does the air-entraining additive work?

Air-Entraining Concrete is an additive that contains a long hydrocarbon chain on one end and a polar group at the other. The polar part is water-loving (hydrophilic) and interacts with water, while the non-polar part is air-loving (hydrophobic) and interacts with the air. This orientation stabilizes the air bubbles incorporated into the concrete mix. There are various factors in the mix design that affect the air content in the fresh concrete. For example, increasing the amount of cement, using finer cement, increasing temperature, and pumping concrete can reduce the air content, while alkaline materials can increase the air content in the concrete.

Properties and Effects

What properties and effects does the Air-Entraining Concrete additive provide?

• Increases concrete resistance to repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
• Enhances durability and longevity in cold environments.
• Improves the workability of concrete, especially when there is a lack of fine aggregates.
• Reduces water demand in the mix without compromising concrete workability.
• Reduces surface spalling by creating fine air bubbles.
• Decreases continuity of capillary pores in concrete by the formation of air bubbles.
• Reduces water bleeding and segregation of aggregates due to increased adhesion and consistency.
• Reduces permeability and ensures the stability of the air bubbles created in the concrete.

Applications

What are the applications of the Air-Entraining Concrete additive?

• Cold storage construction.
• Concrete pouring in cold climates.
• Production of concrete curbs and pavements.
• Suitable for constructing dams, reservoirs, irrigation, and drainage systems.
• Ideal for concrete with high lime content.
• Airports, concrete roads, bridge decks, and all large concrete surfaces exposed to freezing conditions.
• Suitable for concrete floors and surfaces exposed to outdoor conditions.

Physical and Chemical Properties

• State: Liquid
• Color: Brown
• Specific Gravity: 1.03 gr/cm³
• Standards: ASTM C260, ASTM C666, ASTM C233
• Chloride Ion: None
• Solubility: In water
• pH: Around 8

Consumption Rate

How much of the Air-Entraining Concrete additive should be used?

The additive creates an air content in the range of 4-6% in the concrete mix. The exact usage depends on factors such as cement type, water-to-cement ratio, aggregate type, alkalinity, and ambient temperature. For accurate usage, it’s recommended to perform specific site tests. However, typical consumption is between 0.2% to 0.5% of the cement weight.

Method of Use

How to apply Air-Entraining Concrete?

1. Combine the Air-Entraining Concrete additive with 2 times the volume of water used in the mix. Then, gradually add this solution to the mixing concrete.
2. Alternatively, the product can be directly added to the prepared concrete mix and mixed thoroughly before pouring.

Note: For every cubic meter of concrete, mix for at least 1 minute. The ideal time to add the additive is 5 minutes after all the components of the concrete are mixed.

Safety

What safety precautions should be followed when using Air-Entraining Concrete?

This product is non-toxic and not flammable or hazardous to the environment. It should not come into contact with eyes or be ingested. In case of eye contact, rinse immediately with plenty of water, and if skin irritation occurs or the product is ingested, seek medical attention immediately. Use goggles, gloves, and a mask during handling.

Storage

How should Air-Entraining Concrete be stored?

• Shelf life: 1 year in original packaging.
• Store away from freezing temperatures, excessive heat, and prolonged direct sunlight.
• Ideal storage temperature: 10°C to 30°C.

Packaging

• 20-liter drums.