Howell Enterprises, HOME
 
 
PRODUCTS

 

BACKGROUND


CONTACT US


JOBS

 

TESTS





 

ECONOMIC EFFECTIVENESS OF KALMATRON® KF-A

The economic effectiveness of concrete admixtures is determined by the combination of the following criteria: 

Ø      Number and quantity of admixtures in concrete mixes to obtain desired results

Ø      Comparison of various characteristics in the concrete mix and the final structure through objective testing

Ø      Requirements for the curing of the concrete

For purposes of illustration, we have compared two concrete admixtures: 

Kalmatron® KF-A

Silica Fume

We have test results for both of these products and in comparison to other admixtures on the market, these are the most advanced in terms of test characteristics.  Additionally, Silica Fume currently has a significant market position.  Finally, it is important to consider that every product has been developed for a particular purpose and is suitable for its targeted application.

 

Technical Performance of
Kalmatron® KF-A and Silica Fume

Based on a concrete mix with a targeted compressive strength of 25 Mpa 

TARGETED CHARACTERISTICS

KALMATRON® KF-A

SILLICA FUME

Improvement of characteristic of concrete up to

Compressive strength at 28 days

100%

100%

Flexural strength at 28 days

25%

15%

Liquid impermeability at 28 days

100%

75%

Density at 28 days

18%

6%

Corrosion Resistance

100%

N/A*

Decreasing of slump with reduction of water by 15%

50%

N/A

Decreasing of shrinkage with reduction of water by 15%

35%

N/A

Workability with reduction of water by 15%

100%

N/A

Early strengthening up to targeted compressive strength

7 days

20 days

Freeze-thaw resistance

28 days

28 days

 

*Silica Fume admixtures are known as Supplementary Cementitious Materials, which create denser concrete structures independently from the compacting aggregate and viscosity of the cement dough.  Cement with these admixtures has been decayed by water hydration.  No other chemical reactions have occurred with the cement grains. 

The chemical nature of the Kalmatron® KF-A admixtures acts as an oxidizer of micro-metal containing elements in the cement grains and other inorganic materials such as sand, fly ash, etc.  Oxidization increases the hydration of cement through the molecular decay of unstable relationships between foreign inclusions and cement particles.  This provides for complete hydration and increases the cementitious value of the cement.  This is why concrete mixed with KF-A needs less water, yet can still provide high workability and low slump.

The table below compares practical criteria at different stages for concrete mix made with Kalmatron® KF-A and Silica Fume.

MIXING AND CURING

KALMATRON® KF-A

SILLICA FUME

Quantity of admixture per cubic meter

5kg/m³

28.8kg/m³

Required additional admixtures

Superplasticizer

Water Reducer

Air Entrainer

Antifreezer

 

NO

NO

NO

NO

 

YES

YES

YES

YES

Requires additional water to provide desired workability

NO

YES

Requires a curing compound

NO

YES

Concrete is ready to use at or about

7 to 14 days

28 days

 

Top of Page

© Copyright 2000-2007 Howell Enterprises.  All Rights Reserved.

Site Strategy and Design by Brazil Business Services