AXIM ITALCEMENTI GROUP

Vibroplex and Intrapel are comprehensive admixture lines for concrete masonry and pipe production. The Vibroplex line includes high-strength plasticizers, chloride and nonchloride accelerators for block and pipe applications where low- or zero-slump mixes are needed. Designed specifically for use in hollowcore fabrication, Vibroplex SP1 is the latest addition to the line. In addition to a variety of agents for production, Vibroplex offerings include Mortar Accelerator, recommended for faster setting times and quicker strength development in concrete block and brick mortar.

The Intrapel line consists of water-repellent products suited to low-slump and zero-slump block, pipe and concrete product mixes. Intrapel agents are recommended for all lightweight, medium-weight and heavyweight block where water repellency and efflorescence are needed.

In addition to Vibroplex and Intrapel lines, the company has recently developed Allegro 122, a high-range water reducer based on polycarboxylate technology. Allegro 122 was specifically designed to create high-strength, flowable and self-consolidating properties in prestressed and precast applications. The product provides high levels of water reduction resulting in increased level of workability for longer periods of time.

CHRYSO

A key player in grinding aids for cement, this European company has more recently entered the North American admixture market with products that include the Plast line for low-slump concrete. Plast XP is described as a new generation plasticizing admixture that improves concrete pipe placement and finishing. Product engineers note that it increases strengths at all ages and decreases porosity for significant cement-content reduction. Plast XP, they add, helps raise productivity by lowering production cycle time and imparts extended mix workability — a property of extra consequence during machinery shutdown periods.

The Plast series includes XP and three other agents formulated for decreased absorption, higher compressive strengths, reduced efflorescence, faster production through better mix workability, and improved surface texture. Those properties are also provided in other agents the company offers for block and paver production, including Pave 100, Color Flash 1, Fuge and Xel.

DEGUSSA ADMIXTURES

The company offers a full line of plasticizing admixtures designed specifically for block, paver, segmental retaining wall unit, pipe, roof tile and extruded hollow-core plank production. The Rheomix 700 series of plasticizing admixtures is based on the company's Glenium polycarboxylate dispersant technology, which maximizes production efficiency through cement dispersing and reactive lubricant mechanisms, product developers contend. The Rheomix chemistry, they add, offers improved material flow and compaction; enhanced surface texture and visual appeal of finished products; increased early and ultimate strength; plus, lower cull and breakage rates.

EUCLID CHEMICAL

Eucon DC is a polycarboxylate-based admixture providing what product developers note is high unit consolidation for dry-cast products; improved early strength development; and, quicker feed and cycle times. They also cite the product's ability to promote efficient hydration resulting in unit integrity with crisp, defined edges; improved green strength; better color dispersion; and, less damage during handling. Eucon BK-S8 is a plasticizing liquid offering moderate to high swipe. Among users of the technology is Hydro Conduit/Rinker, whose Wilson, N.C. plant (shown here) staff credits the DC and BK-S8 agents with annual cement savings upwards of $250,000, plus improved strength and product appearance.

KRETE INDUSTRIES

Promoted more as a processing aid than an admixture, Ultra Mix is suited to pipe production and provides these manufacturer-cited benefits: 1) allows added water and hence the option of using aggregate that might otherwise be too wet for production; 2) densifies finished product, increasing green and long-term compressive strength while lowering absorption; 3) speeds cycle time, in some instances reportedly by 30 percent or more; and, 4) plasticizes the mix, reducing mold and machinery wear rates. Dosing of one to two ounces of Ultra Mix allows the addition of two to five gallons of water per 50 cu. ft. of batch size.