AIR ENTRAINED CONCRETE

The entrainment of air in concrete is accomplished by adding an air-entraining admixture at the time of mixing.

Recommended applications are for concrete exposed to freeze/thaw cycles and the production of high-quality normal or lightweight concrete.

The Benefits Are:

1. Improved resistance to scaling from freezing and thawing.

2. Improved resistance to scaling from deicing salts.

3. Improved plasticity and workability.

4. Reduce permeability – increased watertightness

5. Reduced segregation and bleeding.

Performance In Workability:

Entrained air improves the workability of concrete. It is particularly effective in lean (low cement content) mixes that otherwise might be harsh and difficult to work. Because of improved workability with entrained air, water and sand content can be reduced significantly. A volume of air-entrained concrete requires less water than an equal volume of non-air entrained concrete of the same consistency and maximum size aggregate. Freshly mixed concrete containing entrained air is cohesive, looks and feels fatty or workable, and can usually be handled with ease. Entrained air also reduces segregation and bleeding in freshly mixed and placed concrete.