Product Data Sheet
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SikaTard®-550

HYDRATION CONTROLLING ADMIXTURE

SikaTard®-550 is a hydration controlling admixture. SikaTard®-550 meets the requirements of ASTM C494/AASHTO M 194, Type B & D.

SikaTard®-550 is especially effective in transporting concrete for long distances, for slow concrete placements or pumping long distances, but can also be used for typical set retarding applications. The effect of SikaTard®-550 can be negated at any time by the addition of an appropriate set accelerating admixture. SikaTard®-550 is effective in hot weather conditions to offset the accelerating effects of high ambient and concrete temperatures by delaying the cement hydration. Initial set times are delayed, allowing time for proper placement and finishing without cold joints. Hot weather concreting practices as specified in ACI 305 - Guide to Hot Weather Concreting should be followed.      In conventional concrete applications, SikaTard®-550 also provides the following benefits:  
  • Increased flexibility in planning and scheduling concrete pours,
  • Improved workability and slump retention,
  • Improved finishing characteristics,
  • Reduced risk of thermal cracking in mass concrete pours,
  • Reduced water content, increased ultimate compressive and flexural strengths.
   When used in wash water applications SikaTard®-550 reduces the amount of time and water required to wash the drum. Wash water can remain in the drum and be used as water for the next batch of concrete.   SikaTard®-550 does not contain intentionally added chlorides.
Product Data Sheet
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Usage

Unlike conventional set retarding admixtures, SikaTard®-550 is designed to delay the hydration of cement and cementitious materials for controlled amounts of time. SikaTard®-550 can be used in all types of concrete applications and is effective in concrete containing Portland Limestone Cement (PLC/Type IL) and supplementary cementitious materials.    SikaTard®-550 can also be used to stabilize returned concrete for re-use and in concrete wash water applications.

Advantages

SikaTard®-550 is especially effective in transporting concrete for long distances, for slow concrete placements or pumping long distances, but can also be used for typical set retarding applications. The effect of SikaTard®-550 can be negated at any time by the addition of an appropriate set accelerating admixture. SikaTard®-550 is effective in hot weather conditions to offset the accelerating effects of high ambient and concrete temperatures by delaying the cement hydration. Initial set times are delayed, allowing time for proper placement and finishing without cold joints. Hot weather concreting practices as specified in ACI 305 - Guide to Hot Weather Concreting should be followed.      In conventional concrete applications, SikaTard®-550 also provides the following benefits:  
  • Increased flexibility in planning and scheduling concrete pours,
  • Improved workability and slump retention,
  • Improved finishing characteristics,
  • Reduced risk of thermal cracking in mass concrete pours,
  • Reduced water content, increased ultimate compressive and flexural strengths.
   When used in wash water applications SikaTard®-550 reduces the amount of time and water required to wash the drum. Wash water can remain in the drum and be used as water for the next batch of concrete.   SikaTard®-550 does not contain intentionally added chlorides.

Packaging

Available in 55-gallon (208-liter) drums, 275-gallon (1040-liter) totes and bulk delivery.

Color

Transparent Colorless Liquid

Product Details

Sustainability / Certifications / Approvals

ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION

Enables a lower carbon footprint by allowing recycling/reuse of returned or waste concrete and by eliminating the need for temporary batch plants and/or short load deliveries.

  

For further information, please visit: https://usa.sika.com/en/sustainability.html

 
Product Information

Shelf Life

Shelf life when stored in original packaging in dry warehouse conditions between 40°F and 80°F (5-27°C) is one year from the date of manufacture.

Storage Conditions

SikaTard®-550 should be stored above 40°F (5°C). If frozen, thaw and agitate thoroughly to return to a normal state. Protect from direct sunlight.

Specific gravity

Approx. 1.085

Application

Application Information

Mixing

Measure the required quantity manually or by automated dispenser. Add SikaTard®-550 directly into the freshly mixed concrete, or as an integral material in the batching cycle. Do NOT mix with dry cement. SikaTard®-550 may be dispensed on-site directly prior to placement. Care must be taken to mix thoroughly. When used in combination with other admixtures dispense each admixture separately into the mix.

 

Compatibility: SikaTard®-550 can be used in combination with other Sika admixtures and can be successfully used in mix designs utilizing supplementary cementitious materials.
Consumption

Recommended Dosage

The typical dosage rate of SikaTard®-550 for normal applications will vary up to 8 fl oz / 100 lb. (325 mL / 100 kg) of cement or cementitious materials. For stabilization for longer periods the dosage can be increased up to 48 fl oz / 100 lb. (3130 mL / 100 kg) of cementitious materials. Various factors will affect the dosage rates.

 

Trial mixes with the actual materials should be conducted to determine the required dosage for optimum performance. The required dosage for a mix design may change with fluctuations in the ambient temperature.
 

To the extent specialized materials are used, extreme ambient temperatures are encountered, or for other unusual project conditions, dosage rates outside the typical range may be required. For dosage rates outside the typical range, please contact your local Sika representative or the Sika Technical Services Department at 1-800-933-7452.

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