EP #168: Are We Mishandling Concrete Admixtures?

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ON THIS EPISODE OF THE CONCRETE LOGIC PODCAST

What happens when an admixture reaches the concrete producer in a different condition than when it left the manufacturer?

Seth is joined by Concrete Bob Higgins to discuss how heat, cold, microbial growth, separation, and poor storage or transportation can affect water-based admixtures before they enter the mix.

They examine how admixtures may change during shipping or storage, why producers should watch for unusual odors, color changes, solids, scum, or consistency changes, and why manufacturers should provide clear handling requirements.

Before blaming the cement, weather, batch plant, or contractor for a concrete problem, should we first ask what happened to the admixtures?

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

Why Bob believes stacking admixtures can create cascading chemical effects in concreteHow microbial growth may change the condition and performance of water-based admixturesWhy biocides are used in some admixture formulationsHow high storage temperatures may affect microbial protectionWhat odor, color, viscosity, sediment, or surface growth may indicate about an admixtureWhy transportation and warehouse conditions matter before an admixture reaches the batch plantSeth’s concern about admixtures traveling through unconditioned trucks and storage containersWhy adding more of a damaged or altered admixture may create additional problemsHow cold temperatures may contribute to separation, crystallization, or inconsistent dosing in some formulationsWhy Bob recommends getting storage and handling requirements from manufacturers in writingWhat ready-mix producers should inspect before using an admixture that appears different than expectedCHAPTERS

(00:00) Why admixture handling matters

(03:00) Concrete Logic Academy and a new learning game

(04:16) Are we mishandling concrete admixtures?

(05:21) Cascading effects when admixtures are combined