Investigations have shown that a two per cent addition of calcium chloride has equal cure strength at 50F as plain concrete has at 70F. Regardless of the temperature or cement type, concrete mixes containing calcium chloride will always have a faster cure rate than plain concrete. The beneficial effects of calcium chloride will be even more pronounced at lower temperatures. The accelerated cure rate measured as final concrete set time can be reduced by two-thirds when two per cent calcium chloride is added - two hours compared to six hours for plain concrete.*

That means:

• high initial strength
• reduced final set time
• reduced bleeding
• improved workability
• fast form work turnaround
• greater cost effectiveness
• beneficial when used with fly ash

Low temperatures slow concrete hydration. That is why an accelerator is needed to obtain high initial strength. Calcium Chloride.accelerates hydration and gives concrete the strength and durability to meet specification requirements at lower temperatures.

The American Concrete Institute Committee 306 has suggested procedures to achieve a quality product in adverse conditions. The use of calcium chloride assists in reaching the concrete's desired strength by accelerating the cement's hydration. Calcium Chloride is the most cost-effective accelerator for today's modern concrete.

Along with ACI recommendations, the latest reference information from the National Ready Mix Concrete Association and the Portland Cement Association concerning cold weather concrete construction is also recommended.

 

Concrete advantages can be achieved when two per cent of calcium chloride is added to 100 pounds of cement, the rate recommended by the cement industry. But what is defined as two per cent? Two per cent defined as two pounds 77-80% flake material per 1 00 pounds of cement. Concentrations other than 77-80% need to be converted back to equivalent flake poundage. To find the correct dosage of various calcium chloride concentrations, use the tables supplied below.