Using concrete admixtures or additives is one of the most common and easiest ways to control and enhance the strength of concrete mixes. Which admixtures you choose to use will depend on the characteristics you are looking for. You can change things such as bonding strength, water permeability, initial set time, finished strength and more with different types of concrete additives. These admixtures paired with a basic mix ratio and choice of aggregate can result in finished concrete with increased strength.
Without using an admix, the most basic way to change the strength of concrete or mortar is to increase the amount of cement in the mix. A typical mix ratio is 3:1:1, meaning 3 parts sand to 1 part cement to 1 part aggregate (if making a mortar mix, omit the aggregate). If that mix was made using a 1:1:1 ratio, increasing the amount of cement which is the binding agent of a concrete or mortar mix, the finished product will be stronger than that of a mix a higher ratio of sand.
One of the most common admixes is acrylic fortifier. Concrete acrylic fortifier can be found in hardware stores and concrete supply stores in most areas. Just as it says in the name, this additive increases the bonding properties and water permeability of the concrete. This is a good place to start when looking for a concrete admixture to use for projects around the home. It is useful for both practical and decorative concrete applications.
Superplasticizer, or water reducer, is a concrete admixture used when a flowing, liquid consistency of the mix is needed for a project. Using too much water to get the desired consistency will lead to a weak finished product and early failure. Superplasticizer turns a strong mortar or concrete mix with the texture of something like damp sand into a flowing, soupy consistency that can be poured like cake batter. It is easy to place, easy to trowel, it is almost self-leveling and is useful for things like pouring into molds of all shapes and sizes, small areas, cracks and crevices, or any project that needs a more viscous mix for placement without compromised strength..
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