Primary Reasons Of The Popularity Of Concrete Additives In Constructions
The modern buildings are usually constructed with concrete and other materials that contribute in making these structures highly long-lasting. The durability of all residential and commercial buildings depends on the quality of the concrete used for construction purpose. The concrete can be made more durable by adding certain liquid or powdery additives, which make these chemicals very popular among the builders and architects.
Main benefits of using concrete additives for constructions
It is seen that much lesser amount of water needs to be added to the concrete mixture, due to the presence of concrete additives. Thus, it helps in water preservation in construction industry, mainly in case of constructing high-rises.
Some minute water bubbles are formed while adding water to the concrete mixture, which soon disappear. However, the additions of suitable chemical or mineral additives can retain these bubbles within the concrete mixture, for preventing formation of cracks on extreme temperatures of peak summer and winter.
The concrete mixed with additives are found to be set much faster than the ordinary concrete mixture. Thus, the construction works can be speeded up with the use of these useful admixtures. There are also some additives that can reduce the setting time of concrete, if needed.
Types of concrete admixtures usually added in construction works
Calcium Chloride is a chemical that is quite popular as an additive for speeding up the setting of concrete mixture, thus making construction processes much faster. Some concrete admixtures also reduce the amount of concrete generally needed for building purpose, leading to financial gain of builders. Silica fume is an amorphous byproduct of silicon production that boosts the performance of concrete and prevents corrosion of those concrete structures. Fly ash formed from burned coals is another mineral additive that demonstrates similar functions for hardening concrete mixture and making it stronger. Metakaolin is another low-cost additive that is formed by applying large amount of heat to china clay.
All these additives make concrete mixture more functional in making durable constructions and preferred by modern builders.