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Aplast Rp2640: Retarding Water Reducing Admixture
Aplast Rp2640: Retarding Water Reducing Admixture
To help maintain the workability of ready mixed concrete deliveries in hot
weather.
Advantages
Controlled retardation extends working life and stiffening time for ease of
construction.
Slight air entrainment improves cohesion in mixes with poorly graded sands or
a lack of fine materials, minimising bleed and segregation.
Standard compliance
ALPLAST RP2640 complies with BS 5075 Part 1 and with ASTM C494 as Type B
and Type D.
Description
ALPLAST RP2640 disperses the fine particles in the concrete mix, enabling the
water content of the concrete to perform more effectively. The initial hydration of the
cement is also delayed, resulting in a delay in the setting time of the concrete with
no adverse effect on subsequent stiffening and strength gain.
1
Technical support
APTEX provides a technical advisory service for on-site assistance and advice on mix design, admixture selection,
evaluation trials and dispensing equipment
Dosage
The optimum dosage of ALPLAST RP2640 to meet specific requirements should always be determined by trials using the
materials and conditions that will be experienced in use. The normal dosage range is 0.3 to 0.8 litres per 100 kg of
cementitious material, including PFA, GGBFS or micro-silica.
Dosages outside the normal rang quoted above can be used to meet particular mix requirements. Contact APTEX for
advice in these cases.
Brown liquid
Properties
Appearance:
Specific gravity*: Typically 1.16+1.5% @
o
20 C
Chloride content: Nil to BS 5075
Air entrainment: Typically less than 2%
additional air is entrained
at normal dosages.
Alkali content: Typically less than 5.0 g.
Na O equivalent/litre of
2
Retardation
The level of retardation obtained may be varied by altering the dosage of ALPLAST RP2640 used, which will also alter the
level of water reduction obtained. Retardation is also affected by factors other than the admixtures, depending on the mix
details and conditions involved. Major factors include the following:
a) Cement replacement materials will usually give greater levels of retardation than concrete mixes made with ordinary
Portland cement at the same admixture dosage.
b) High temperatures will require increased dosages to obtain the same change in stiffening time compared to a control
mix.
c) Changes in cement content, source or chemistry may lead to variations in the retardation obtained. The amount of tri-
calcium aluminate in the cement has been identified as being one of the main contributory factors in this respect, with a
lower level leading to greater retardation.
Compatibility
ALPLAST RP2640 is compatible with other APTEX such as ALPLAST SP 4300 RP admixtures used in the same concrete
mix. All admixtures should be added to the concrete separately and must not be mixed together prior to addition. The
resultant properties of concrete containing more than one admixture should be assessed by trial mixes.
ALPLAST RP2640 is suitable for use with all types of ordinary Portland cements and cement replacement materials such
as PFA, GGBFS and micro-silica.
Most water reducing admixtures produce some delay in the stiffening of concrete, although the degree may vary.
Retardation is affected by factors other than the admixtures, depending on the mix details and conditions involved. Trials
to assess the effects in a particular mix are strongly recommended if this aspect is of particular importance.
Major factors which may lead to an increase in retardation include the following.
a) Cement replacement materials will usually give greater levels of retardation than concrete mixes and with Ordinary
Portland Cement at the same admixture dosage.
b) Low temperatures will give higher levels of retardation for the same admixture dosage. This is particularly noticeable if
cement replacement materials are used.
c) Changes in cement source or chemistry may lead to variations in the retardation obtained. The amount of tri-calcium
aluminate in the cement has been identified as being one of the main contributory factors in this respect, with a lower level
leading to greater retardation.
2
Increased retardation will be obtained at higher dosage. As a guideline, dosages of 0.31 litres per 100 kg and above are
likely to be in the retarding category.
Dispensing
The correct quantity of ALPLAST RP2640 should be measured by means of a recommended dispenser. The
admixture should then be added to the concrete with the mixing water to obtain the best results. Contact APTEX for
advice regarding suitable equipment and its installation
Effects of overdosing
An overdose of double the amount of ALPLAST RP2640 will result in a significant increase in retardation as compared to
that normally obtained at the intended dosage. Provided that adequate curing is maintained, the ultimate strength of the
concrete will not be impaired by increased retardation and will generally be increased. The effects of overdosing will be
further increased if sulphate resisting cement or cement replacement materials are used.
Over-dosage may also cause increased air entrainment which will tend to reduce strength. The degree of this effect will
depend on the particular mix design and overdose level.
Estimating – packaging
ALPLAST RP2640 is available in drum or bulk supply. For larger users, storage tanks can be supplied.
Storage
o o
ALPLAST RP2640 has a minimum shelf life of 12 months provided the temperature is kept within the range of 2 C to 50 C.
Should the temperature of the product fall outside this range contact APTEX for advice.
o
Freezing point: Approximately -4 C
Precautions
ALPLAST RP2640 does not fall into the hazard classifications of current regulations (see notes 1 and 2 below). However,
it should not be swallowed or allowed to come into contact with skin and eyes.
Suitable protective gloves and goggles should be worn