Antifreeze additives in cement mortar: consumption and method of use

Lower temperatures contribute to less rapid solidification of concrete. Water under such conditions freezes, and the hydration of the binder is suspended.

Need to use

For concrete, these processes are undesirable, since they adversely affect strength. As a result, the structure becomes loose, and its frost resistance leaves much to be desired. In order to ensure a normal set of strength at low temperatures, appropriate measures must be taken that contribute to the preservation of water in the liquid phase.

General description of antifreeze additives

Antifreeze additives in cement mortar are added at low temperatures. They are a liquid that can have a yellowish or light gray hue, and can also be completely colorless. The mixture has a density of 1.4 kilograms per liter. As for the mass fraction of calcium nitrate, it ranges from 42 to 45%. These characteristics may vary, depending on the type of material used.

Antifreeze additives in the cement slurry are added if necessary to increase the mobility of the composition, which greatly facilitates the process of forming the elements of the structure. These mixtures contain a corrosion inhibitor that protects the bars of the reinforcement from oxidation. After the addition of the described composition, the building mixture gains strength in a short time, and the waterproofness of the material increases.

The method of using additives in the preparation of a solution

When antifreeze additives are added to the cement slurry, plasticizer, sand, cement are used in parallel. It is desirable to add said composition together with water, because the liquid of the anti-frost composition is capable of partially replacing the water of mixing.

All ingredients are well mixed, during which you should use a concrete mixer. This stage should last for an hour. In the end, a homogeneous mixture is obtained . The degree of homogeneity will depend on the mixing period and the quality of the concrete mixer. The amount of additive should be equal to the volume that is prescribed on the package. Most often this is 0.2% of the volume of cement by weight. It is important to take into account that this volume corresponds to the temperature value specified in the instruction.

When antifreeze additives are added to the cement slurry at home, it is important to take into account that with a decrease in temperature the volume of the product should be increased. It is important to take into account that 0.05% of the composition corresponds to one degree. Dosage is usually indicated in grams. If the given value is indicated in millimeters, to determine the amount of the composition, its mass should be divided by 1.45. In the end, it will be possible to obtain the required volume, expressed in millimeters. It only remains to measure the required amount of the mixture, and then to introduce it into the solution.

Antifreeze additives in cement mortar, reviews about which are mostly positive, are added exclusively at negative ambient temperatures. Under these other conditions, it is unacceptable to use these mixtures. Elements of structures and concrete products should be moistened for two days, this will eliminate the drying.

Consumption of potash

Potash is used in construction as an antifreeze additive. It is still known as potassium carbonate technical. It can be obtained in the form of a crystalline powder, which is characterized by excellent solubility in water. The saturated solution freezes at a temperature that is equivalent to -36.5 degrees. Potash is able to significantly accelerate the hardening and grasping of concrete.

Characteristics of the composition will be sustained, if in the process of pouring to strength, the temperature of the concrete does not drop below -25 degrees. If there is a need to strengthen the frost resistance of concrete, then additionally add liquid sodium glass.

Such antifreeze additives in the cement slurry are usually introduced to ensure a short period of thickening. The process is practically independent of the ambient temperature. Potash acts as a neutral additive, which does not affect the reinforcement. When the temperature is lowered, the consumption of the substance increases. Thus, if the mark of the thermometer is in the range from 0 to -5 degrees, then one hundred kilograms of cement will need from 5 to 6 kilograms of potash.

At a temperature range from -6 to -10 degrees, the frost-free additive should be used in a volume of 6 to 8 kilograms per hundred kilograms of cement. While at -11 to -15 degrees the consumption of potash increases in the range from 8 to 10 kilograms for a similar volume of the cement component.

Reviews

According to consumers, antifreeze additives in the cement slurry, the consumption of which was mentioned above, are introduced not only for the preparation of concrete mixtures. Among other things, they can be used in lightweight concretes, in the manufacture of road elements, with the shutting of plaster solutions, as well as in the formation of road pavement.

In the industry, antifreeze additives are used in the construction of bridges, buildings for various purposes, oil and gas production platforms, dams and other. With the help of these compounds, it is possible to reduce the construction time, as well as reduce the cost of the facility due to the rational use of labor and equipment. This is very popular with private consumers and a professional developer.

Conclusion

If you use antifreeze additives in cement mortar, the salt will be formed together with the products of hydration of concrete. Before using substances with the intended purpose, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the characteristics and characteristics of the above-mentioned ingredient.