Concrete substitute: what is it, composition, Hilst professional (Hills), FAST 2k, Quikset

Since concrete is strong and long-lasting, it has long been the preferred material for construction projects. But new developments have brought about a number of substitutes that have special advantages and can be used in a variety of applications. Several benefits are offered by these concrete alternatives, including shorter curing times, greater user-friendliness, and less negative environmental effects.

Hilst Professional—often just called "Hills"—is one of the top products in this market. Because of its composition, which improves workability and durability, professionals prefer this substitute because of its effectiveness and performance. It is especially well-liked for tasks requiring accuracy and timeliness.

FAST 2k is another noteworthy replacement. This product is valued for its quick setting time, which enables projects to be completed more quickly. FAST 2k is a great option for both professionals and do-it-yourselfers because of its simplicity of use, which requires little mixing or preparation.

Another concrete alternative that’s becoming popular in the construction industry is Quikset. It is perfect for projects that require quick turnaround times because of its composition, which enables a quick and strong set. Additionally, Quikset is made to be easy to use, which cuts down on the complexity and work involved in conventional concrete applications.

These concrete replacements are revolutionizing the construction sector by offering practical and cost-effective substitutes for conventional concrete. From quick setting times to increased durability, each product has special qualities that meet particular needs, making them excellent choices for a range of construction projects.

What is it – a concrete mix substitute?

Special composites known as concrete substitutes are made up of two individually packaged components, usually a base and a hardener set to it. Components can be provided in 0.5, 5 and 20 liter containers, among other volumes. While mixing, the active ingredients start to work together and solidify fast. The composition’s volume increases up to fifteen times at the same time.

The mixture takes about five minutes on average to set, and it takes an hour to harden completely. The replacement material can even outperform typical concrete in terms of strength. The most common uses for the material are to reinforce the horizontal and vertical supports of different kinds of light structures (canopies, gazebos), fence posts, barrier installation, and road signs.

Although the selection of concrete substitutes available in the Russian market is still small, the ones that are present all exhibit superior quality and fulfill all of their designated roles.

Concrete replacements are novel materials that have the strength and durability of regular concrete with the added advantages of quicker setting times, simpler application, and occasionally less environmental impact. These alternatives—such as Hilst Professional (Hills), FAST 2K, and Quikset—are made of sophisticated polymers, resins, or other specialized compounds, which makes them perfect for small-scale construction projects, emergency repairs, or other situations where conventional concrete might not be feasible. Selecting the best product for your construction needs can be aided by knowing the features and composition of these items.

Application area

In mountainous and wooded locations where traditional concrete is difficult to prepare and apply, two-component composite is frequently utilized. You can install various supporting structures in different planes by using concrete substitutes.

• Pouring fence supports, which can be made of metal, concrete, natural wood
• Installation of supports for vertically mounted structures (canopies, lighting poles, various designs of gazebos, structures for children"s attractions, etc.).d.)
• Installation of horizontal supports for water/gas supply lines
• Installation of fastening elements for road structures (these can be road signs and pointers, barriers, fencing / parking posts)
• Strengthening the base of masts for various purposes

Where it is difficult or impractical to prepare and use regular concrete and there are no significant mechanical and load-bearing loads, concrete substitutes are typically used.

After all, it is frequently useless to hire a concrete mixer, hunt for tools for combining the mixture, watch pouring techniques, and wait a month for the concrete to harden when doing basic tasks like installing light fixtures.

Advantages and disadvantages of composite material

You must first weigh the benefits and drawbacks of the material in order to comprehend what a concrete substitute is and its characteristics. In general, the material’s qualities are similar even though it is produced by various manufacturers.

• High installation speed – 80% reduction in the installation time of structures compared to using ordinary concrete. And the material becomes durable already 5 minutes after the support is poured.
• Simplicity and cleanliness of installation – the master himself, in the area.
• No need to attract additional labor, special equipment, use a large number of tools and devices, delivery of building materials (crushed stone, sand, cement, water) to the site.
• Strength indicator is higher than the similar value of traditional concrete.
• The ability to significantly save on time, finances, labor, etc..
• Delivery in convenient containers, thanks to which the material can be delivered to the site by any available means.

• Safety and environmental friendliness of the substitute.
• High-quality protection of structures from rotting and corrosion.
• The ability to perform work at temperatures down to -25 degrees – a good alternative to the use of special concretes with plasticizers, anti-freeze additives, etc..

It is important to remember that among the composition’s drawbacks, the composite can’t always take the place of concrete. Its usual range of use is restricted to the erection of supports and certain other structures.

Craftsmen still frequently favor traditional concrete when using it professionally for certain complicated tasks. Additionally, a shorter compositional curing cycle may be a drawback and make the task more difficult to complete.

Technology of working with the material

Using a concrete replacement is very easy. Digging holes of the appropriate size is the first step in installing the supports. Next, thoroughly combine the ingredients. The mixture needs to be left at room temperature for at least two hours before being mixed (or heated to +25 degrees at the site) if you intend to work in frost as low as -25 degrees.

Pour the contents of both bottles into a clean container and mix well with an electric drill fitted with a whisk attachment to make your own concrete substitute. When the chemical reaction starts, which causes the composition to increase in volume, you must act as fast as possible—no more than 45 seconds—(mounting foam works in a similar way).

Owing to the composite’s quick hardening, it is best to mix no more than 4 liters at a time, which should fill eight medium-sized holes. After the support has been carefully inserted into the hole and leveled vertically with a level, the solution is added. The composite fills the hole after four minutes as its volume increases. Next, extra solution is either added or removed as needed.

It is recommended to keep the support vertical for the first five minutes, or until the strength of the solution reaches 80%. After allowing it to stand for three hours, the material will have fully solidified and the support can be loaded.

Some contemporary manufacturers provide one-component materials in addition to two-component compositions. When they come into contact with air, the polymerization process starts, and they are supplied in plastic factory containers.

About 14 liters of ready-made mounting mixture can be obtained from one liter of solution. Alternatively, 50 kilograms of dry cement can be substituted with 1.1 kilograms of packaging.

Types of substitutes

The Canadian composition Fast 2k and the Canadian concrete substitute Hilst of domestic production are currently the most well-liked and in-demand. Although less well-known, Quikset, a domestic manufacturer, still has products in demand. You can purchase any of the designated compositions in Moscow and the surrounding areas, but it is best to familiarize yourself with their characteristics first.

Hilst: prices, characteristics, brands of compositions

Though it is relatively new to the market, it has already gained a lot of popularity and excellent customer feedback. pertinent to fortifying horizontal and vertical building foundations with little weight in the ground, as well as structures while pipelines are being installed.

1. Hilst Standart – packaging volume 1 liter, costs about 750 rubles
2. Hilst Profi – packaging with a capacity of 10 liters, the price is about 6,500 rubles
3. Hilst Expert – packed in 40 liters, costs up to 24,000 rubles

The volume is the only difference between the solutions. Work technology: 30 seconds are spent mixing, 45 seconds are spent in the chemical reaction, 3 minutes are spent fully expanding, 5 minutes are spent gaining 80% strength, and 3 hours are spent 100% strength. For lightweight structures, the hardened composition’s average compressive load tolerance of 660 kPa is more than sufficient.

The composition’s primary benefits are its capacity to work at -25 degrees, its quick curing time, its superior dielectric characteristics, its high speed and ease of installation, its exceptional hydrophobic qualities, and its excellent adhesion.

FAST 2k: performance characteristics and price

A Canadian company manufactures the composition for quick and high-quality installation of support posts in fencing sections and other vertical structures, as well as for setting up columnar foundations for buildings with light weights (verandas, gazebos, agricultural buildings, terraces, etc.).

A two-component hydrophobic composition based on polyurethane serves as a concrete substitute. The primary advantage over conventional concrete is the reaction of the components during mixing, which causes the mixture to harden in a matter of minutes.

• Supplied in a package weighing 1.1 kilograms (replaces up to 50 kilograms of concrete), divided into 2 parts by a special bar. A specialist in protective gloves removes the protective bar, the liquids are mixed in 30 seconds by turning the package over, then a corner is cut off on the package, the mass is poured into the hole, the support is leveled and fixed for a short time. The mixture expands, fills the space, hardening by 50% in 5 minutes, after 20 minutes it hardens completely and further work can be carried out.
• The substitute is packaged in a large package weighing 1.1 kilogram gives 20 liters of hardened solution, packaging in 0.5 liters creates 9 liters of material.
• The substitute can be used at temperatures down to -25 degrees (but not higher).
• Nothing is needed to work with the composition – the solution is mixed directly in the bag, then you just need to pour it (even gloves are included, which is very convenient).
• The material has excellent hydrophobic properties, protecting the underground part of the pole from moisture, decay – additional treatment with impregnations is not needed.
• During the work, the composition can be added, removing excess by cutting.

Quikset is a Russian-made assembly mass

The properties of the Russian-made composition are comparable to those of the previously discussed ones, as are the application technology and packaging format. There are two bottles or canisters included (the container depends on the volume). The ingredients are combined in a different container using a hand shaker or a mixer.

The same procedures apply to Quikset concrete substitute work as they do to other compositions in this category. Strength increases swiftly, and performance is strong.

• Volume 300 milliliters – around 250 rubles
• Capacity 700 milliliters – about 300 rubles
• Containers of 1000 milliliters – from 350 rubles

Consequently, buying a bigger volume of the composition is more profitable.

Alternatives to concrete have several advantages for different types of building requirements. These substitutes offer creative fixes for projects where conventional concrete might not be the best option. Selecting the appropriate material for your project can be made easier if you are aware of the composition and intended applications of each substitute.

One prominent example is Hilst Professional (Hills), which is renowned for its quick setup time and simplicity of use. This product is a great option for speedy installations and repairs because it is made to offer strong, dependable support. Its formulation makes application easier while guaranteeing durability.

Another well-known alternative to concrete is FAST 2k. It is unique in that it doesn’t require heavy lifting to set posts and poles because of its expansive qualities and lightweight design. This replacement also shortens the project’s duration overall, improving productivity on the construction site.

Like FAST 2k, Quikset is simple to use and has quick setting times. It’s especially helpful for smaller projects or situations where efficiency is essential. Quikset is a favorite among professionals and do-it-yourselfers alike because of its composition, which produces strong, stable results with little effort.

These concrete alternatives—Quickset, FAST 2k, and Hilst Professional—all have special benefits to offer. These products offer trustworthy substitutes for conventional concrete, regardless of your requirements for quick setting, simplicity of application, or lightweight qualities. You can ensure effective and efficient results for your particular construction needs by investigating these options and selecting the best fit.

Video on the topic

Concrete substitute Hilst Professional

Hilst (concrete substitute) in work

Strength test of pillars mounted with HILST concrete substitute.