PRODUCTS THAT HELP CONCRETE STAND THE TEST OF TIME
Concrete admixtures play a very important role in the durability enhancement of concrete. Without admixtures, high durability concrete would be nearly impossible.
Air entrainment in concrete is a necessity for any areas which will experience cycles of freezing and thawing. By adding in consistently sized and spaced air bubbles at the correct percentage, durability of concrete is dramatically improved. Sika’s line of air entraining admixtures comply with the standards set forth in ASTM C260.
Rebar is utilized in concrete to provide it tensile strength, however, if not properly protected this rebar can corrode and cause concrete to crack and break apart. Sika CNI and Ferroguard technologies can help protect this from happening.
Concrete shrinks! Over time through chemical and drying shrinkage concrete changes volume and these volume changes can cause it to crack. The use of Sika Control SRA’s can help prevent cracking and reduce shrinkage.
Shrinkage cracks in concrete can be caused due to multiple reasons, and there are multiple ways to stop them. The effectiveness of Sika's SRCA's in reducing cracks and compensating shrinkage is achieved by combining the technologies of expansive components and pore water surface tension reduction.
Silica fume is an extremely fine powder that when utilized in concrete can help provide high strengths. SikaCrete products help densify concrete making it more resistant to mechanical abrasion and chemical ingress.
Metakaolin is highly reactive calcined clay. It is amorphous; meaning it chemically reacts with the hydration products of concrete to reduce its permeability and improve its strength and durability.
ASR has been found to be responsible for the deterioration of various concrete structures including pavements, bridges, dams and other structures. The main reason for the occurrence of ASR is the presence of moderate to highly reactive aggregates and the utilization of high-alkali cements which are present in some regions. As a result, concrete for new construction in regions where ASR has been detected require the use of a mitigation alternative to help prevent ASR. Lithium nitrate admixtures are one of most effective mitigation options to prevent ASR.