Yes, each admixture is priced per cubic metre. [DOLANS CONFIRM how pricing is shown on quotes]
Understanding Concrete Additives.
Admixtures change how concrete sets, flows and lasts. Knowing what each one does helps you ask for the right mix.
At a glance:
6 : Common admixture types
5-8% : Typical air content for freeze-thaw exposure
At the plant : Where admixtures are dosed
What Admixtures Do.
An admixture is an ingredient other than cement, water and aggregate, added during batching. Small doses make a large difference. Each one solves a specific problem, such as cold weather, long hauls, freeze-thaw exposure or hard-to-place concrete.
Choosing What to Ask For.
Start with the conditions. Exterior flatwork on the Island needs air entrainment. Winter pours often need an accelerator. Summer pours and long hauls may need a retarder. If you're pumping or placing in tight forms, ask about a superplasticizer.
Tell us the application, the weather and the placement method when you order. We'll recommend a combination that works.
The Common Types:
Accelerators: Speed up setting and early strength gain. Use them in cold weather or when forms need to be stripped sooner.
Retarders: Delay setting. Use them in hot weather, for long hauls, or for large pours that need time to finish.
Water reducers and superplasticizers: Make concrete flow more easily without adding water. You get easier placement with no loss of strength.
Air-entraining agents: Create billions of microscopic air bubbles. They give freezing water room to expand, protecting exterior concrete from freeze-thaw damage and de-icing salts.
Colour and pigments: Integral colour runs through the full depth of the concrete, so chips and wear don't expose grey.
Fibres: Synthetic or steel fibres help control plastic shrinkage cracking and add toughness. They do not replace structural reinforcing.
Why Not Just Add Water?
Water makes concrete easier to place, but it weakens it. Extra water increases shrinkage, cracking and surface dusting. A water reducer gives you the same workability without the loss of strength.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use more than one admixture?
Yes. Most exterior mixes combine air entrainment with a water reducer. We check compatibility at the plant.
Does calcium chloride accelerator cause problems?
Chloride-based accelerators can corrode reinforcing steel. Non-chloride accelerators are available for reinforced work. [CONFIRM which Dolan's uses]
Will fibres stop all cracking?
No. Fibres reduce early shrinkage cracking. Control joints, proper curing and a good base are still required.
Integral pigments are stable, but the surface can weather. A suitable sealer helps maintain the colour.
Disclaimer: These guides are general information. Always follow your engineer's specification and local building requirements.
Other Resources
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