Sika – with Long Experience

Sika began developing the first admixtures for cementitious mixes in 1910, the year in
which it was founded. At that time the main aims were to shorten the setting time of mortar
mixes, make them watertight or increase their strength. Some of these early, successful
Sika products are still in use today.
Water is necessary in concrete for consistence and hydration of the cement, but too much
water in the hardened concrete is a disadvantage, so Sika products were also developed to
reduce the water content while maintaining or even improving the consistence (workability):
Date Product base Typical Main effects
Sika Product
1930 Lignosulphonate Plastocrete® Water reduction up to 10 %
1940 Gluconate Plastiment ® Water reduction up to 10 %
plus retardation
1960 Sika Retarder ®, Fro-V Retardation and air entrainment
1970 Naphthalene Sikament ®-NN Water reduction up to 20 %
1980 Melamine Sikament ®-300/-320 Water reduction up to 20 %,
reduced air content
1990 Vinyl copolymers Sikament ®-10/-12 Water reduction up to 25 %
2000 Modified Sika® ViscoCrete® Water reduction up to 40 %,
polycarboxylates SCC concrete technology for
self-compaction
Ever since the company was formed, Sika has always been involved where cement, aggre-
gates, sand and water are made into mortar or concrete – the reliable partner for economic
construction of durable structures.

Sika – with a Global Presence

Sika AG in Baar is a globally active, integrated speciality chemicals company. Sika is
a leader in the technology and production of materials used to seal, bond, insulate,
strengthen and protect load bearing structures in buildings and in industry.
Sika’s product range includes high performance concrete admixtures, speciality mortars,
sealants and adhesives, insulating and strengthening materials, systems for structural
strengthening, industrial flooring and waterproofing membranes.

Sika team of authors:

T. Hirschi, H. Knauber, M. Lanz, J. Schlumpf, J. Schrabback, C. Spirig, U. Waeber

December 2005
Table of Contents

1. Concrete Constituents 5
1.1 Terms 5
1.2 Binders 6
1.3 Concrete Aggregates 8
1.4 Concrete Admixtures 12
1.5 Concrete Additives 13
1.6 Finest Grain 15
1.7 Mixing Water 16
1.8 Material Volume Calculation 18

2. Standard EN 206-1: 2000 20

2.1 Definitions from the Standard 20
2.2 Exposure Classes related to environmental Actions 22
2.3 Classification by Consistence 25
2.4 Compressive Strength Classes 26
2.5 The k-Value (Extract from EN 206-1) 27
2.6 Chloride Content (Extract from EN 206-1) 29
2.7 Specification of Concrete 31
2.8 Conformity Control 31
2.9 Proof of other Concrete Properties 32

3. Concrete 33
3.1 Main Uses of Concrete 33
3.1.1 Concrete cast In Situ 34
3.1.2 Concrete for Precast Structures 36
3.2 Special Concretes 37
3.2.1 Pumped Concrete 37
3.2.2 Concrete for Traffic Areas 40
3.2.3 Self-compacting Concrete (SCC) 41
3.2.4 Frost and Freeze/Thaw resistant Concrete 43
3.2.5 High Strength Concrete 46
3.2.6 Slipformed Concrete 47
3.2.7 Waterproof Concrete 49

1
 3.2.8 Fair-faced Concrete 50
3.2.9 Mass Concrete 52
3.2.10 Fiber reinforced Concrete 54
3.2.11 Heavyweight Concrete 55
3.2.12 Underwater Concrete 56
3.2.13 Lightweight Concrete 57
3.2.14 Rolled Concrete 59
3.2.15 Coloured Concrete 59
3.2.16 Semi-dry Concrete for Precast Manufacture of Concrete Products 60
3.2.17 Concrete with enhanced Fire Resistance 67
3.2.18 Tunnel Segment Concrete 68
3.2.19 Monolithic Concrete 70
3.2.20 Granolithic Concrete 71

4. Fresh Concrete 72
4.1 Fresh Concrete Properties 72
4.1.1 Workability 72
4.1.2 Retardation/Hot Weather Concrete 73
4.1.3 Set Acceleration/Cold Weather Concrete 77
4.1.4 Consistence 79
4.1.5 Bleeding 80
4.1.6 Finishing 80
4.1.7 Fresh Concrete Density 81
4.1.8 Air Void Content 81
4.1.9 Pumpability 82
4.1.10 Cohesion 82
4.1.11 Fresh Concrete Temperature 82
4.1.12 Water/Cement Ratio 83
4.2 Fresh Concrete Tests 83
4.2.1 Workability 83
4.2.2 Sampling 84
4.2.3 Testing the Consistence by the Slump Test 84
4.2.4 Testing the Consistence by Degree of Compactability 85
4.2.5 Testing the Consistence by Flow Diameter 86
4.2.6 Determination of Fresh Concrete Density 88
4.2.7 Determination of Air Void Content 88
4.2.8 Other Fresh Concrete Consistence Test Methods 89

5. Hardened Concrete 91
5.1 Hardened Concrete Properties 91
5.1.1 Compressive Strength 91