If you're planning to install a new driveway or replace an existing one, you may have heard the term "air entrainment" in relation to the concrete mix that will be used. Air entrainment is the intentional addition of small air bubbles into the concrete mix, which helps to improve its durability and resistance to freeze-thaw cycles. At our company, we use a 6% air entrainment in our concrete mixes for exterior applications in cold climates to ensure that our customers get the best possible long term results from their Kansas City area driveway installation. What is air entrainment in concrete? Before we dive into the specifics of our use of 6% air entrainment, it's important to understand what air entrainment is and why it's important. When concrete sets and hardens, it forms a solid, dense material that is strong and durable. However, if the concrete is exposed to freeze-thaw cycles, which occur when water freezes and thaws repeatedly, it can lead to cracking and damage to the concrete. The reason for this is that when water freezes, it expands, which puts pressure on the surrounding material. If there is no space for the water to expand, such as in a dense concrete mix, the pressure can cause the concrete to crack and deteriorate over time. This is where air entrainment comes in. Air entrainment involves adding small air bubbles into the concrete mix, which creates tiny pockets of air throughout the material. When water freezes, the pockets of air provide space for the water to expand, which reduces the pressure on the surrounding material and helps to prevent cracking and damage. Why do we use 6% air entrainment? The amount of air entrainment required for a particular concrete mix depends on several factors, such as the type and size of aggregates used in the mix, the intended use of the concrete, and the climate and weather conditions in the area where the concrete will be used. In general, a higher percentage of air entrainment is required for exterior concrete applications in colder climates to ensure adequate freeze-thaw resistance. At our company, we use a 6% air entrainment in our concrete mixes for exterior applications in cold climates, such as driveways, sidewalks, and other outdoor concrete surfaces. This is based on industry standards and recommendations from the American Concrete Institute (ACI), which provides guidelines for the minimum and maximum levels of air entrainment required for concrete mixes used in various environments. The 6% air entrainment in our concrete mixes provides the necessary protection against freeze-thaw damage while also improving the workability and finishability of the concrete. By creating a more uniform distribution of air bubbles throughout the mix, air entrainment can help to reduce the amount of bleed water that rises to the surface during the setting and curing process. This can help to reduce surface cracking and improve the overall strength and durability of the concrete. What are the benefits of using air-entrained concrete? In addition to improving the freeze-thaw resistance of concrete, air entrainment can also provide several other benefits, such as: 1. Increased workability: The addition of air bubbles can make the concrete mix more workable, which can help to improve its overall performance during the installation process. 2. Improved finishing: Air entrainment can help to reduce the amount of bleed water that rises to the surface during the setting and curing process, which can make it easier to achieve a smooth, even finish on the surface of the concrete. 3. Increased durability: Air-entrained concrete is typically more durable and resistant to damage than non-air-entrained concrete, which can help to extend the lifespan of your driveway or other outdoor concrete surface. 4. Reduced cracking: By providing space for the expansion of freezing water, air entrainment can help to reduce the likelihood of cracking and damage to the concrete over time.
Conclusion In summary, air entrainment is an important aspect of concrete mix design that can help to improve the durability and resistance of the material to freeze-thaw cycles. At our company, we use a 6% air entrainment in our concrete mixes for exterior applications in cold climates, such as driveways, to ensure that our customers get the best possible results from their installation. By using air-entrained concrete, we can provide increased workability and finishing, increased durability, and reduced cracking, which can help to extend the lifespan of your driveway or other outdoor concrete surface. If you have any questions or concerns about air entrainment or our concrete installation process, please don't hesitate to contact us. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have and provide you with a custom solution that meets your specific needs and requirements.