Shrinkage-free mixture: features and scope of application

For concrete to last and function well, shrinkage must be kept to a minimum. The common problem of concrete shrinking as it cures is intended to be lessened or eliminated with a shrinkage-free mixture. Water evaporation and chemical reactions within the concrete mix cause this shrinkage. Shrinkage can be greatly reduced by using specific additives and careful proportioning.

Concrete that doesn’t shrink is widely used in construction projects where preventing cracks and preserving structural integrity are crucial. This kind of concrete works especially well in conditions where moisture content and temperature swings occur, as these factors can aggravate shrinkage problems in conventional mixes. It is frequently utilized in floors, foundations, and other important structural components.

A precisely balanced combination of materials that oppose the forces causing shrinkage is one of the characteristics of a shrinkage-free mixture. In order to create a stable and long-lasting concrete mix, additives like fibers, additional cementitious materials, and shrinkage-reducing agents are essential. These elements support the preservation of volume stability and the reduction of internal stresses that eventually cause cracking.

Shrinkage-free concrete is given top priority by engineers and contractors because it can improve a structure’s performance and longevity. They guarantee higher overall quality and lower maintenance costs over the project’s lifespan by selecting this kind of concrete. It’s a proactive approach to building that complies with contemporary engineering standards and sustainable building practices.

Features:	A shrinkage-free concrete mixture is designed to minimize or eliminate cracking that typically occurs due to drying shrinkage. This type of concrete contains additives that reduce internal stresses and improve overall durability.
Scope of Application:	It is ideal for projects where minimizing cracking is crucial, such as in large slabs, bridge decks, and pavements. Shrinkage-free concrete is also used in environments where weather conditions can cause rapid moisture loss.

Shrinkage-free cement and its components

Certain materials are necessary for both the building of structures and the field of reconstruction. We are discussing concrete that does not shrink. This is a credit to homegrown science and technology for its development.

The substance was developed by Russian scientist Sergei Vladimirovich Mikhailov at the turn of the 20th century. Even now, the compositions are being improved and refined.

Because certain components are present, the material is unique. Because these mixtures have higher strength characteristics than traditional concrete, they generally help to reduce the preparatory stage and significantly reduce the risk of cracks.

Ready-made non-shrink solutions are also non-toxic and temperature and corrosion resistant. Lastly, there are no special challenges in producing such a mixture, even at home.

IMPORTANT: The addition of a sizable quantity of special components to the composition results in increased strength properties. Superplasticizers enable cement to withstand compression with greater strength. They aid in maximizing the hardening time and accelerating the reaction with water.

Production technology

As was previously mentioned, non-shrinkable concrete is inexpensive and requires a lot of labor to produce. A specific ratio is used to mix the foundation of the mixture to come:

Proportions are determined based on the nature of the work, the brand of the product, and outside variables. After that, certain additives known as superplasticizers are added.

It is usually calcium aluminate or sulfoaluminate. However, some producers favor adding fillers that contain silicon or fiber fiber.

Important: During the hardening phase, non-shrinking cement mortar needs to be treated differently. It needs to be regularly misted with water. For 72 hours, this is carried out twice a day. For every square meter, 2.5 liters of water are used. These steps will guarantee a long-lasting surface and excellent adhesion.

Application area

For a variety of reasons, the durability of construction projects’ structures depends on the use of shrinkage-resistant mortars.

• shrinkage-resistant mixture for concrete repair (sealing small cracks and joints in household structures);
• shrinkage-resistant composition for road surface restoration;
• shrinkage-resistant, quick-hardening mortar for restoration of load-bearing surfaces and stairwells;
• shrinkage-resistant mixture for construction of garages, basements, tunnels;

• shrinkage-resistant mixtures for creating waterproofing joints in industrial construction;
• shrinkage-resistant mortar for repairing floors in industrial buildings, as well as leveling the surface before waterproofing work;
• mixture on shrinkage-resistant cement for installation, restoration and strengthening of plumbing facilities, including culverts;
• repair mixtures for strengthening the joints of prefabricated structures.

Non-shrink concrete materials are typically offered for sale as dry mixes. They combine to create a rather plastic-gray solution when exposed to water.

IMPORTANT: Non-shrink concrete technology ensures a strong and long-lasting foundation and floor. Weather-related catastrophes do not terrify them.

In construction, common problems like durability concerns and cracking are addressed by developing a concrete mixture that does not shrink. This unique mixture is made to reduce volume variations when drying, which is essential for preserving structural integrity over time. Its application extends to residential pavements and foundations where long-term stability is critical, making it ideal for high-stress environments such as bridges and high-rise buildings. For the construction of resilient and sustainable infrastructure, shrinkage-free concrete is crucial because it lowers the chance of cracks and guarantees durability.

Technical characteristics

In construction, non-shrink concrete is frequently utilized. distinguished by superior physical attributes. GOST characteristics of the material:

• color: dark gray;
• fractionality: no more than 0.63 mm;
• maximum adhesion strength – after 28 days;
• retention of the solution consistency: no more than 40 min.;

• maximum filler size (grain) – 10 mm;
• compression density (max): 40 MPa;
• composition density: 1400 kg / cu. m;
• adhesion strength: 2 MPa;

• frost resistance (grade): F300;
• water resistance (brand): W14
• consumption (area – 1 sq. m, layer thickness – 1 cm): 15-20 kg.

IMPORTANT: Traditional grades of cement (M 100 – M 600 line) are used in the production of shrinkage-free compositions. They are produced according to the State Standard 7473-2010. These mixtures are applicable in drinking water supply systems.

Features of dry mixtures

Because certain impurities are present, all non-shrinkage mixtures have the same special quality: strong waterproofing. The monolith created with this technology will therefore endure for several decades.

Due to the additional resistance and even slight elasticity provided by anti-shrinkage components, it is not afraid of physical impacts in the form of medium loads. All of this raises a structure’s level of protection.

One more crucial point that should be mentioned is that storing and transporting concrete is made much easier when it is packaged as a dry mixture.

Regarding the characteristics of dry non-shrinkage mixtures following solution preparation, it is important to remember:

• increased density;
• high plasticity;
• optimal hardening time;
• minimal shrinkage;
• adhesion to cement and steel elements;
• good thixotropic characteristics.

IMPORTANT: The following detail must be considered when calculating the volumetric component of the bag based on the quantity of 10-liter buckets. The composition’s bulk element fraction, along with the shrinkage-free mixture’s technical characteristics and brand, can all affect it.

Brands and prices

Cement factories are located in nearly every region of our nation. However, not all businesses manufacture unique compositions that do not shrink.

The average cost per cubic meter of shrinkage-free concrete grade M400 produced domestically is 3200 rubles.

Mixtures can be purchased in construction stores, via online portals for construction, or directly from the manufacturer. Retail chains receive these mixtures in bags. There is a range in volume, from 3 to 30 kg.

The following manufacturers’ shrinkage-free compositions are the most well-liked:

• Weber.Tec 933, Repair compound, 25 kg/bag. Average price: 2900 rub.
• Konsolit Bars 102, 30 kg/bag. Average price: 1650 rub.;

• Products "INDASTRO", Profskrin. Packaging: 25 kg. Average price: 1600 rub.;
• Shrinkage-free cement mixtures Emaco, MasterFlow 928 (S 55). 25 kg/bag. Average price: 2650 rubles.

The product listed above has an approximate price. Depending on the state of the market.

Prepare the solution yourself

Buying dry materials is just the first step. You should now use it to create a workable solution. And in this situation, a concrete mixer is essential. This unit will enable you to attain maximum homogeneity while also accelerating the solution’s preparation.

1. Pour water into the device in the proportion: 30 kg of dry mixture – 4.5 liters of water.
2. Turn on the concrete mixer. Quickly but evenly add the mixture . Achieve a homogeneous mass.
3. Turn off. Wait 3 minutes and start the device again for 5-10 minutes. The solution is ready.
4. The prepared solution should be used within 30 minutes.

Important: It is preferable to prepare the mixture with cold water if the outside temperature is higher than +25 degrees. It is advised to mix using cold water. It is preferable to take warm if the outside temperature is around +10 degrees.

Nuances of choosing non-shrinkage mixtures

Because non-shrinkage mixtures can be selected for particular conditions, they have become widely used. As a result, when selecting a particular product for building or maintenance, you should consider the work’s specifics, the materials of the auxiliary components, and the surrounding environment.

• Such mixtures have different compositions, packaging, additives. There are different types: dry and poured, fast-acting, frost-resistant … Therefore, before buying, carefully study the product description and all technical data.

• It is better to restore horizontal surfaces, including sealing cracks, with a pouring type. Such a solution expands more easily, has high adhesive properties, quickly sets with reinforcement and other equipment.

• Shrinkage-free concrete is conventionally divided into repair and construction. The first behaves more actively when diluted, but also hardens much faster.

• If the composition is planned for outdoor use, a frost-resistant mixture should be selected. Poured shrinkage-free repair compounds are suitable for eliminating cracks. They will provide reliable adhesion, will prevent the renewal of old and the occurrence of new cracks.

Concrete mixtures that don’t shrink are a major development in building materials because they are more durable and perform better. These mixtures reduce or completely eliminate the normal shrinkage that happens during the curing process, which lessens the chance of cracking. This feature is especially helpful in structural applications where it’s important to maintain integrity over time. Shrinkage-free mixes are preferred by engineers and architects because they provide smoother finishes and maintain dimensional stability, which guarantees that structures keep their intended shape and appearance.

Shrinkage-free concrete is versatile enough to be used in a wide range of construction projects, from large-scale infrastructure to residential homes. It is especially useful in conditions where changes in moisture content or temperature can cause concrete to crack. These mixtures’ versatility opens up more design options and lowers the need for expensive maintenance during a structure’s lifetime. Because of this, they are a better option in areas that frequently experience seismic activity or severe weather.

Furthermore, by extending the life of structures and lowering the carbon footprint associated with repairs and replacements, the use of shrinkage-free concrete promotes sustainable building practices. These mixtures’ durability prolongs the life of the structure and aids in environmental preservation efforts in general. Shrinkage-free concrete becomes apparent as a critical innovation in achieving both ecological and performance goals as construction methods change toward more sustainable solutions.

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