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Founded in 1904 and headquartered in Farmington Hills, Michigan, USA, the American Concrete Institute is a leading authority and resource worldwide for the development, dissemination, and adoption of its consensus-based standards, technical resources, educational programs, and proven expertise for individuals and organizations involved in concrete design, construction, and materials, who share a commitment to pursuing the best use of concrete.
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Home > Tools > Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What does ACI recommend regarding water-cement (w/c) ratios or admixtures to improve workability when using Type IL cement? A. To improve the workability of concrete using Type IL cement while maintaining a low water-cementitious materials ratio (w/cm), ACI recommends the use of water-reducing admixtures (WRAs) and high-range water-reducing admixtures (HRWRAs). These admixtures can significantly reduce the water content while improving workability, pumpability, and finishability, and are essential in high-strength and specialized concrete applications. According to ACI 212.3R-16 (Chemical Admixtures for Concrete), HRWRAs can achieve significant water reductions without negatively impacting the performance of the mix. However, proper handling and thorough mixing are crucial to avoid issues such as slump loss and retardation. When using Type IL cement, which has a higher limestone content, it is important to monitor the water demand, as limestone can slightly increase the workability challenges. Trial mixtures and adjustments in admixture dosages may be necessary to determine the optimal mix performance. Consider consulting your ready-mix supplier to incorporate HRWRAs effectively in your mixture. Additionally, ACI 211.1-22 (Standard Practice for Selecting Proportions for Normal, Heavyweight, and Mass Concrete) provides guidance on proportioning concrete mixes, including optimizing workability while maintaining a low w/cm ratio. It is also recommended to refer to ACI 301-20 (Specifications for Structural Concrete) for performance criteria, which include provisions on workability and w/cm ratios. In terms of admixtures, ASTM C494/C494M-19 (Standard Specification for Chemical Admixtures for Concrete) outlines the performance requirements for WRAs and HRWRAs, ensuring that the selected admixtures meet the necessary standards for workability improvement without compromising the mix. For more detailed guidance on concrete production and handling, consult ACI 304R-00 (Guide for Measuring, Mixing, Transporting, and Placing Concrete). References: ACI 212.3R-16; ACI 211.1-22; ACI 301-20; ASTM C494/C494M-19; ACI 304R-00 Topics in Concrete: Admixture for Concrete; Mixture Proportioning of Concrete
Q. What does ACI recommend regarding water-cement (w/c) ratios or admixtures to improve workability when using Type IL cement?
A. To improve the workability of concrete using Type IL cement while maintaining a low water-cementitious materials ratio (w/cm), ACI recommends the use of water-reducing admixtures (WRAs) and high-range water-reducing admixtures (HRWRAs). These admixtures can significantly reduce the water content while improving workability, pumpability, and finishability, and are essential in high-strength and specialized concrete applications. According to ACI 212.3R-16 (Chemical Admixtures for Concrete), HRWRAs can achieve significant water reductions without negatively impacting the performance of the mix. However, proper handling and thorough mixing are crucial to avoid issues such as slump loss and retardation.
When using Type IL cement, which has a higher limestone content, it is important to monitor the water demand, as limestone can slightly increase the workability challenges. Trial mixtures and adjustments in admixture dosages may be necessary to determine the optimal mix performance. Consider consulting your ready-mix supplier to incorporate HRWRAs effectively in your mixture.
Additionally, ACI 211.1-22 (Standard Practice for Selecting Proportions for Normal, Heavyweight, and Mass Concrete) provides guidance on proportioning concrete mixes, including optimizing workability while maintaining a low w/cm ratio. It is also recommended to refer to ACI 301-20 (Specifications for Structural Concrete) for performance criteria, which include provisions on workability and w/cm ratios.
In terms of admixtures, ASTM C494/C494M-19 (Standard Specification for Chemical Admixtures for Concrete) outlines the performance requirements for WRAs and HRWRAs, ensuring that the selected admixtures meet the necessary standards for workability improvement without compromising the mix.
For more detailed guidance on concrete production and handling, consult ACI 304R-00 (Guide for Measuring, Mixing, Transporting, and Placing Concrete).
References: ACI 212.3R-16; ACI 211.1-22; ACI 301-20; ASTM C494/C494M-19; ACI 304R-00
Topics in Concrete: Admixture for Concrete; Mixture Proportioning of Concrete
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