Air Entraining Agent

[RDK]

I am currently working on a road building program in Afghanistan. Needless to say that contractors and suppliers are not as easy to find and work with as in the developed world.

I’m looking for an air entraining agent for concrete that we could import and supply to the local contractors as getting air entrained concrete has proven difficult.

Since this would have to be transported by air I’d like a dry agent if such a thing exists. If no dry agents are available then a concentrated agent that would reduce shipping and logistics of transport would also be suitable.

Anyone know of a suitable agent?

I have also heard that ordinary dish washing liquid can be used as well. This makes sense since soap reduces water surface tension allowing small bubbles to form.

Does anyone have any experience working with this as an air entraining agent? Anyone know what dosage would be necessary to use?

Rick Kitson MBA P.Eng

Construction Project Management
From conception to completion

http://www.kitsonengineering.com

 

[LittleWheels]

Using dishwashing liquid will reduce concrete strength. It is banned in Australia, Britain and USA for structural use.

I've not worked in the conditions you are in but I always preferred increasing concrete strength to avoid the use of air entrained concrete (Note: personal preference not based on logic).

 

[BigH]

Have you checked with DeGussa? They are worldwide and should be able to get the material in to you from their Middle East sites.

 

[dik]

You might try Euclid Chemical Company in Canada. They have a powder AEA for use with shotcrete. It's called AirMix 200P.

Check the link...

http://www.euclidchemical.com/fileshare/ProductFiles/french/CTDAmix200P.pdf

Dik

 

[Ron]

At one time, cement could be ordered with air entraining agents mixed dry in the cement.