What is air-entrained concrete?

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Posted on 16 February 2023

If you’ve been wondering “What is air-entrained concrete?”, we are here to help. This type of concrete comes with a host of benefits and is very popular with a wide range of customers. It’s ideal for many people seeking out a freeze-thaw-resistant solution that will serve them well for many years. Air-entrained offers additional durability, workability, resistance to chemical attacks and cohesion.

The definition of air-entrained concrete

Air concrete is a form of concrete which has microscopic air bubbles. These bubbles help to relieve the internal pressure on the concrete. They do this by offering small pockets that water can expand into when the material has exposure to freeze-thaw conditions. If these pockets didn’t exist, the water would not be able to escape. This would result in cracking and scaling, greatly reducing the lifespan of the concrete An air-entraining admixture can add air to a concrete mix. It is possible to adjust the amount of air inside a mix to suit specific requirements.

Why is this concrete so popular?Domestic Concrete Suppliers in Rotherham

Now you know the answer to the query “what is air-entrained concrete?” you may be wondering why it is used so often. Freeze-thaw conditions can appear for many reasons. For example, if the temperature of your environment moves between above and below freezing. This kind of concrete is also popular due to its high resistance to scaling as well as its long life. Using this concrete can be highly effective when it comes to preventing structural cracks. It’s important to prevent these cracks from forming to stop the structure from deteriorating prematurely.

How much air content needs to be in the concrete mix? 

If you require true freeze-thaw protection, the air content of your concrete mix should be within a range of 5-7%. You may need to increase the cement content in your mix to achieve a specific strength once you add the air. The air bubbles are microscopic, but the concrete will weaken when you add to the amount of air inside the mix. For each 1% of the air you add, you can expect to see a reduction in strength of around 5%. This happens because the concrete loses density as you add air to the mix. Cement inside the mix is comparable to a “glue” which delivers extra strength. If your concrete needs air entrainment, you can expect to add more cement to make up for the loss in strength.

Are there any disadvantages of air-entrained concrete?

There are a few drawbacks to air-entrained concrete including strength less, the potential for honeycombing and a decrease in unit weight when air is added to this material. However, many Doncaster Quickmix customers regard air-entrained concrete as the ideal solution for their requirements.

How is the quality of air-entrained concrete defined?

The diameter of the air voids and the way they are distributed are used to determine the quality of air-entrained concrete. The quality of the concrete is not usually defined by how many air bubbles are trapped inside it. The fresh state of the concrete means it can have fantastic workability and pumpability. Recently poured air-entrained concrete isn’t as likely to bleed as some other forms of concrete. 

Another reason why this concrete has become so popular amongst Doncaster Quickmix clients is that adding air to concrete can make it easier to use. The air bubbles that are generated when concrete is air-entrained can act as a lubricant between the ingredients which are used to create concrete. The extra lubrication makes fresh concrete more pumpable and consistent You can expect this kind of concrete to even out effectively once you have poured it. You shouldn’t require as much energy or manpower to pump air concrete to where it needs to be and pour it.

More benefits of this concrete

As it’s generally easier and simpler to move this concrete around, it is a popular solution for bigger construction sites where it’s difficult to get your mixing truck to your pouring site. It’s also easier to add distinctive materials to air-entrained concrete. These can include crushed sand. The ingredients used to produce air-entrained concrete are generally the same as those required to manufacture conventional concrete. These are cement, coarse aggregates and fine aggregates including sand and water. The main difference is the use of an air entrainer to that causes entrainment to occur.

Concrete Delivery DoncasterWho can supply me with air-entrained concrete in Rotherham and Doncaster? 

If you do need to find air-entrained concrete and concrete suppliers in Rotherham & Doncaster, we can help. At Doncaster Quickmix, we have supplied air-entrained concrete to clients across South Yorkshire for many years. We offer high-quality concrete for some of the most competitive prices on the market. However, we never cut corners or make compromises when it comes to quality. We have been leading suppliers of quality concrete and screed since back in 2011.

Who sources air-entrained concrete from Doncaster Quickmix?

We work with a wide range of businesses and individuals, supplying them with concrete to meet their needs. We are proud to have won the custom of various discerning clients over the years. These include local highway agencies, councils and general contractors. What’s more is that we can work closely alongside you to help you source the perfect concrete solution for your requirements. Whether you want to collect your concrete from our site or need it delivered to yours, we are here to assist you. We are very proud to have built up a brilliant reputation for creating and supplying durable, long-lasting and affordable concrete. You can also rest assured that our concrete meets BS8500 standards.

Contact us

Now you know more about “What is air-entrained concrete”, why not get in touch today? You can reach us by filling in the form on our site or by giving us a call on 01302 972997 (Doncaster) or 01709 807977 (Rotherham). There’s no need to head anywhere else when you need concrete and concrete suppliers in Rotherham & Doncaster.

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