What are concrete admixtures and why are they used?

Concrete admixtures are chemical additives that improve properties such as workability, strength, setting time, and durability. Common types include superplasticisers, accelerators, retarders, waterproofing admixtures, and air-entraining agents. They produce higher-quality concrete at lower water-cement ratios.

What is a superplasticiser and when should I use one?

A superplasticiser is a high-range water reducer that increases concrete workability without adding extra water. Use them for M40+ concrete, pumped concrete, or self-compacting concrete. Products like Sika ViscoCrete and MasterGlenium are widely used in India.

Can admixtures be used with any cement type?

Most admixtures are compatible with OPC, PPC, and PSC cements. Compatibility testing is recommended when using multiple admixtures together or with fly-ash blended cements. Always follow manufacturer dosage guidelines and conduct trial mixes before large-scale use.

Concrete Admixtures & Additives | India

Enhance every cubic metre of concrete with admixtures and additives that improve workability, strength, durability, and setting behaviour. This collection offers 31 products covering ready-mix, site-batched, and mortar applications.

Shop superplasticizers (PCE and SNF based) for high-flow, low-water concrete, water-reducing admixtures for economy mixes, retarders for hot-weather concreting, accelerators for cold-weather or early-loading scenarios, and integral waterproofing compounds that block capillary absorption from within the matrix. Also available: plaster additives for crack-free rendering.

Brands include Sika ViscoCrete, MC-Bauchemie Muraplast, Fosroc Conplast, and Buildsmart admixtures — all conforming to IS 9103 and IS 2645.

Pair admixtures with curing compounds for optimal hydration, waterproofing systems for external protection, and primers when bonding new concrete to old.