FAQ: What Is Concrete Retarder?

What is concrete retarder used for?

Retarding admixtures, which slow the setting rate of concrete, are used to counteract the accelerating effect of hot weather on concrete setting. High temperatures often cause an increased rate of hardening which makes placing and finishing difficult.

How does a concrete retarder work?

Retarding admixtures are used to slow the rate of setting of concrete. By slowing the initial setting time, the concrete mixture can stay in its fresh mix state longer before it gets to its hardened form. Use of retarders is beneficial for: Complex concrete placement or grouting.

Does retarder weaken concrete?

Also, if too much retarder is added to concrete used for a slab it can lead to crusting, where the surface sets but the concrete below is still soft. This can really reduce your flatness and even lead to delamination of the surface.

Why are retarders and accelerators used in concrete?

Like water reducers, retarders and plasticizers, when added to a concrete batch either immediately before or during mixing. Accelerators make concrete set faster, also known as increasing the rate of hydration. At the same time, they promote strength development so it happens earlier in the set time of a slab.

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How is concrete admixture calculated?

Calculation of Sand & Coarse Aggregate Quantities:



20mm = 706 kg. 10mm = 578 kg. Admixture = 1.2 % by weight of cement = 5.064 kg.

How much retarder do I need for concrete?

Directions for Use



3 fl oz/100 lbs (196 mL/100 kg) of cement will extend the initial setting time of portland cement concrete by approximately 2 to 3 hours at 70 °F (21 °C). For longer setting times or in higher temperatures, additional retarder may be needed. For shorter set times or in cooler weather, use less.

What are the 4 types of retarders?

Retarders are mechanisms in some vehicles that help slow the vehicle and reduce the need for braking. The four basic types of retarders are exhaust, engine, hydraulic, and electric.

Is it OK if it rains after pouring concrete?

Heavy rain can cause problems to freshly poured concrete as it can wash out some of the cement from the mix. This can weaken the surface of the concrete, making it a softer consistency and decreasing the strength of the concrete.

Why is superplasticizer added to concrete?

Plasticizers and superplasticizers retard the curing of concrete. Their addition to concrete or mortar allows the reduction of the water to cement ratio without negatively affecting the workability of the mixture, and enables the production of self-consolidating concrete and high performance concrete.

What is the most common retarder?

4 Set Retarder



The most common ones are calcium lignosulfonate and molasses.

How do you increase slump in concrete?

Adding just 1 gallon of water per cubic yard can: • Increase slump 1 inch • Decrease compressive strength 150 to 200 psi • Waste about 1⁄4 bag of cementIncrease shrinkage by 10% But water isn’t the only way to adjust slump. Consider adding a water reducer or superplasticizer at the site to increase slump.

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How do you use concrete retarder?

Apply surface retarder evenly over the surface using a low-pressure sprayer or roller. Many surface retarders are designed to form a film over the surface that acts as temporary curing agent and protects the concrete from light rain and wind.

What are the admixtures used in concrete?

Concrete admixtures are of different types and they are as follows:

  • Water Reducing Admixtures.
  • Retarding Admixtures.
  • Accelerating Admixtures.
  • Air entraining concrete admixture.
  • Pozzolanic Admixtures.
  • Damp-proofing Admixtures.
  • Gas forming Admixtures.
  • Air detraining Admixtures.

What is the main function of set retarders?

9. What is the main function of set retarders? Explanation: Used to counteract hot weather conditions that cause increased rate of hardening. This makes placing and finishing difficult.

What do you mean by M15 concrete?

M15 concrete mix has a mix proportion of 1:2:4 of cement, fine aggregate, and coarse aggregate respectively. M15 – M represents Mix and 15 N/mm2 is the characteristic compressive strength of concrete cube at 28 days.

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