Plasticizer S-3 today acts as the most common concrete additive within the Russian market. It is known for its effectiveness and belongs to the first group of plasticizers.
Additive Features
The main feature of the described additive is its ability to bring concrete into a state of mobility, in addition, when using it, the structure is more durable and durable, and cement can be saved up to 25%, which is why the use of this substance is economically feasible.
Application area
Plasticizer C-3 is used in the manufacture of prefabricated structures, which are based on concrete of high strength. The additive is also used when pouring products that have a large number of fittings. This plasticizer is necessary when creating monolithic structures that have a complex configuration, they are also used in the formation of pressure reinforced concrete pipes.
Need to use
Plasticizer C-3 is used if there is a need to increase the mobility of the solution to grade P-5. Moreover, after the addition of this chemical, concrete acquires waterproof properties up to W12. The structural strength is increased by 35-40%, which corresponds to concrete belonging to class B45. After completion of the hardening process, the structure acquires enhanced qualities of resistance to frost.
Features of use
Plasticizer S-3 goes well with other varieties of concrete additives. This indicates that it can be used in tandem with many anti-frost additives, as well as substances that accelerate or, conversely, slow down hardening.
Plasticizer C-3 should not be used in an amount that exceeds, in terms of dry matter, 0.3-0.8% with respect to the weight of the cement mixed in the solution. The additive must be introduced after diluting it in water.
If you add a plasticizer in the amount of 0.2-0.7% of the cement content, you can create cast mixtures that are self-compacting and almost do not need a vibration process, while if you reduce the volume of water, concrete will gain increased strength, and the mobility will remain unchanged . It is permissible to use both of the described techniques in part, that is, to make a solution of increased mobility compared to the original and at the same time increase the strength characteristics of the mixture, reducing the amount of water used.
Positive characteristics of the supplement
Plasticizer for concrete allows you to get the front surface of the product or structure, which is characterized by increased smoothness, regardless of how complex the form is to be obtained. After solidification, concrete, to which a plasticizing component was added during the mixing process, acquires the qualities of increased water resistance, as well as corrosion resistance by 2-4 times. Laying concrete with a plasticizer involves less impressive labor costs. After pouring, the product or structure will not have to be subjected so long, as in the case of a traditional solution, to treatment with temperature and water. The formwork period will also be significantly reduced. When using other additives, the plasticizer does not react with them and does not lose its quality characteristics.
Plasticizer for concrete is not harmful to human health, during operation does not emit toxic substances. The Ministry of Health of Russia allows contact of reinforced concrete structures, which include a plasticizer, with drinking water, as for the case of manufacturing reinforced concrete pipes.
Mixing solution with additive
In order to prepare a concrete solution, the composition of which is supposed to include a plasticizer, the latter can first be mixed with cement and sand, which is true if there is a need to obtain a dry sand-cement mixture. There is another way to add a plasticizer, it can be poured in the form of a powder into a concrete mixer together with water for mixing. As an alternative solution, the method of preliminary dissolution of the powder in water is sometimes used; ultimately, a solution of 15-30% concentration should be obtained. In this state, the solution can be added to the concrete mixer, however, this must be done only after the main volume of water has been introduced.
The use of plasticizer C-3 involves the use of a substance in an amount of 250-700 g per 100 kg of cement component, then it will be possible to obtain a dosage in the range of 0.25-0.7% of the volume of cement. If injection technology will be used in the work, then the concentration should be equal to the limit of 0.5-0.7% of the volume of cement. Filling such a mixture involves filling the formwork or form. The result is a smooth surface that does not require a finish.
Plasticizer cost
The S-3 plasticizer, the price of which may be different in different regions, undoubtedly has its drawbacks, but this does not reduce its positive characteristics. You can purchase a plasticizer on average for 64 rubles / kg.
The appearance of the plasticizer
The plasticizer is a liquid that has a dark brown tint. In addition, you can purchase a powdery plasticizer, which has a light brown color. The substance is quite soluble in water. In powder, the goods are packed in 25 kg bags, whereas if you purchase a liquid substance, it will be bottled in plastic bottles, the volume of which is 0.5 l. A positive feature in dry plasticizer is its almost unlimited shelf life. The only storage condition in this case is the exclusion of liquid. Plasticizer C-3, the instructions for use of which was described above, must be used according to the rules, otherwise concrete will not gain the expected qualities of increased strength and resistance to moisture. It is not worth saving and using a plasticizer with overspending, since in either case it will not be possible to obtain a positive result.