What Is a Concrete Surface Retarder?
Surface retarders, also know surface“deactivators,” are applied to fresh concrete to chemically delay the set of the surface mortar. Unlike concrete set retarders, they allow the rest of the concrete to cure normally, without affecting the setting rate or strength gain.
Because surface retarders work their magic by stopping the hydration process down to a controlled depth, the underlying concrete will harden properly while allowing easy removal of this surface paste later.
Whenever you’re ready to expose the aggregate by hosing or high-pressure washing, the depth of aggregate reveal is more uniform with minimal pop-outs.
When Do You Apply Surface Retarder?
The best time to apply surface retarder is after you have completed all finishing operations and the bleed water has dissipated.
Do not seal the concrete first or apply curing compounds, which might prevent the retarder from doing its job. Apply surface retarder evenly over the surface using a low-pressure sprayer or roller.
Many surface retarders are designed to form a film over the surface which acts as a temporary curing agent and protects the concrete from mild wind and rain. But if extreme wind or rain is expected, you need to protect the surface with plastic sheeting.
Types of Retarders
Retarders are divided into 2 categories depending on the nature of the retarders, they are
1. Organic Retarders
- Phosphonates
- Sugars
- Lignosulphonates
- Hydroxycarboxylic acids and their salts
2. Inorganic or Chemical Retarders
- Salts of Pb, Zn, Cu, As, Sb
- Phosphonates
- Borates
Effects of Retarding Admixtures on Properties of Concrete
- Strength
- Bleeding
- Durability
- Slump Loss
- Workability and Rheological Values
- Heat of Hydration
- Air Entrainment
- Freeze-Thaw Cycles
- Volume Deformation
#1. Strength
The initial compressive strength of concrete into that retarding admixtures are added is lower than the compressive strength of a similar concrete that wasn’t treated with retarding admixtures.
#2. Bleeding
Since retarding admixtures delay the beginning of the setting process, retarded concretes are always more likely to bleed.
#3. Durability
If concrete is correctly cured, retarded concrete needs to be just as durable as equivalent plain concrete.
#4. Slump Loss
Retarding admixtures have been shown to be very effective in reducing slump loss and in this way increasing the initial workability.
#5. Workability and Rheological Values
Retarding admixtures have a small effect on the workability of concrete. They could cause an increase of initial slump by 60-100mm.
#6. Heat of Hydration
Retarding admixtures don’t reduce the heat output of concrete however delay the rise of the peak temperatures by a time interval much like the one where the concrete was retarded.
#7. Air Entrainment
Retarding admixtures do not normally entrain air but there are some kinds of retarders that do. Especially these based on hydroxycarboxylic acid can actually reduced air content.
#8. Freeze-Thaw Cycles
Air entraining admixtures are often utilized to improve the freeze-thaw resistance of concrete. After the water from the concrete starts freezing, the air cells function as microscopic expansion chambers to the freezing water.
#9. Volume Deformation
Creep and drying shrinkage isn’t significantly affected by the inclusion of retarding admixtures but plastic shrinkage might be slightly increased.
Advantages of Retarder in Concrete
Considered a boon for the construction Procedure, in the long run, concrete retarders Help with multiple advantages and a Few major advantages are being discussed below for your reference,
- Retarding admixtures extend the setting time of concrete and maintain the workability and cohesion for an extended period of time.
- From the large construction projects, concrete retarder prevents cold joints formation in successive lifts and make concretely workable through concrete placing.
- With the usage of concrete retarders, you can compensate for the accelerating effect of high temperature towards the initial setting time and minimize risks of long-distance delivery in warm weather.
- The usage of retarding admixtures improves the permeability of concrete by delayed setting period and improved workability of concrete.
- Concrete retarders help to reduce segregation and bleeding in concrete where poor sand grading is unavoidable.
Disadvantages of Concrete Retarders
Everything has a slice of precautions or you may say disadvantages. The same stands true in the event of concrete retarders.
Laid below are a few common disadvantages that you ought to know about before using concrete retarders for your construction process.
- The concrete retarders may be employed with water-reducers however care needs to be taken while curing to avoid bleeding and cracks.
- The dosage of retarding admixtures must be within limits based upon its water-cement ratio, cement content, and amount of C3A from the cement.
- Use of gypsum as a retarding admixture for the purpose of retarding setting time is recommended when adequate control and inspection can be obtained, otherwise, the addition of excess amount can cause undesirable expansion and an indefinite delay in the setting of concrete.
- Concrete retarders could have variable action on different kinds of cement when used in different quantities.
Uses of Concrete Retarders
Concrete retarders are abundantly used or applied in various construction settings; however, some most popular uses or applications are given over here,
- Retarding admixtures are most commonly used in hot weather concreting.
- Retarder Concrete sprayed to the surface of the formwork to prevent the hardening of this matrix in the interface of concrete and formwork, whereas the rest of the concrete gets.
- Retarders are utilized for large or massive construction work hardened.
- Retarding admixtures are used in grouting oil wells.
FAQs about Concrete Surface Retarders
What is a concrete surface retarder?
A concrete surface retarder, also known as a surface deactivator, is a chemical applied to fresh concrete to delay the setting of the surface mortar. This allows the underlying concrete to cure normally while facilitating later removal of the surface layer to expose aggregates.
When should surface retarder be applied?
It is best to apply surface retarder after all finishing operations are complete and the bleed water has dissipated. Avoid sealing the concrete or applying curing compounds before using the retarder.
How do surface retarders affect concrete properties?
Surface retarders primarily impact the setting time and surface properties of concrete without significantly affecting strength gain or overall durability when properly cured.
What types of surface retarders are available?
Surface retarders are categorized into organic (e.g., phosphonates, sugars) and inorganic or chemical (e.g., salts of Pb, Zn, Cu, As, Sb). Each type has specific applications and effects on concrete properties.
What are the advantages of using concrete retarders?
Concrete retarders extend the setting time, maintain workability, prevent cold joints in large pours, and can compensate for high temperatures during concrete placement.
Are there any disadvantages to using concrete retarders?
Disadvantages include potential issues with dosage control, compatibility with other admixtures, and the risk of undesirable expansion or delays in setting if not used correctly.
Where are concrete retarders commonly used?
Retarders are often used in hot weather concreting, for exposed aggregate finishes, in large construction projects, and for grouting oil wells.
How do surface retarders improve concrete workability?
By delaying the setting time of the surface mortar, surface retarders allow for easier removal of the surface layer and uniform exposure of aggregates, reducing the risk of surface defects like pop-outs.
Can surface retarders affect concrete strength?
Surface retarders typically do not significantly affect the ultimate strength of properly cured concrete but may delay initial strength development.
What precautions should be taken when using concrete retarders?
Careful consideration of dosage, water-cement ratio, and curing conditions is essential to avoid issues such as bleeding, cracking, or inconsistent setting times.
