Manufacturing process

 

Water plus cement plus aggregate! The formula seems simple, but the reality of concrete manufacturing is far more complex. The development of formulas for concrete requires very advanced scientific skills. The quality of the cement and aggregates, the dosage and portions are just some of the variables that influence the properties of concrete.

A simple recipe with many variables

Concrete is a carefully balanced mix of Cement, Aggregate, Water and Additives. Cement acts as the binder and modifies the characteristics and uses of Concrete:

  • Lafarge Portland Cements are a quality cost-effective basic building material that is used in all forms of construction and can be used in a wide variety of architectural Concrete construction applications.
  • Lafarge Blended Portland Cements are used in multipurpose Concretes for foundations, slaps and columns,
  • Special Cements are ideal for mortar applications like rendering, screeding, grouting, and for applications where specialized requirements are needed such as sulphate resistance.

 

Aggregate is an other essential ingredient in Concrete, retaining the intrinsic properties of the rocks that they come from. The color, chemical and physical characteristics of Aggregate have a direct impact on the durability, esthetics and mechanical properties of Concrete.
Concrete Production Recipe

Concrete Production

Concrete is a building material made by mixing Aggregate, Sand, a binding agent (usually Cement) and, Additives if necessary.

The performance and characteristics of a Concrete can greatly vary depending on the formula, the way it is used, etc.

Superplasticizer

A Superplasticizer is an Additive that is mixed with Concrete, Mortar or grout just before the Concrete is used. Its main purpose is to improve the workability of the mix. Its secondary role is to modify the setting or hardening time. Superplasticizers are sometimes called "Fluidifiers".

Additives for Customized Concrete

Additives can be incorporated in small amounts (less than 10 kg/m³) to give Concrete specific characteristics:

  • Water Reducers: Do not have an impact on the quality of the Concrete but they do make it more fluid. They also allow Concrete to be manufactured with less Water.
  • Superplasticizers (Fluidifiers): To enhance fluidity of the mix. They are used to produce self-placing (Agilia®) and self-leveling Concrete.
  • Water repellents: Used to produce impermeable Concrete.
  • Air-entraining Agents: They allow Concrete to withstand frost and deicing products.
  • Setting agents: They accelerate hardening so that forms can be stripped sooner.
  • Retardants: Used to increase the amount of time during which Concrete can be worked.
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