Self Leveling Concrete Mix

[dhoward26]

Received a question from a contractor asking me if I had a mix design for "Self Leveling Concrete Topper". I'm assuming he has some dips in a slab and he is wanting to level it...or his is going to use it to create a colored floor. Regardless, anyone have any suggestions on where to look for something like this?

 

[dicksewerrat]

The way see it, self leveling concrete s concrete with way too much water and not enough aggregate.

Richard A. Cornelius, P.E.

http://WWW.amlinereast.com

 

[hokie66]

dhoward,
You need to find out what he really wants. Self leveling concrete doesn't exist, but proprietary leveling compounds are used by finishing trades.

 

[dhoward26]

Yeah, I didn't think "Self Leveling Concrete" necessarily existed but wasn't sure. I only deal with structural concrete and hadn't ever been asked a question like that before.

I think I'm going to recommend he go to the local distributor and see if they have a mix he can use. I'm assuming he is asking so that he can try to save on material costs.

 

[1gibson]

There are proprietary mixes that include surfactant, which is largely responsible for the self leveling action.

 

[dicksewerrat]

Does he need a full slab topcoat? Or just some patch work here and there to level some slight holes, dips? There are some floor patching/leveling dry mixes out there.

Richard A. Cornelius, P.E.

http://WWW.amlinereast.com

 

[racookpe1978]

You've GOT to find out if he (the contractor trying to make a "quick fix") is going to use the self-leveling mix inside (and under a floor coating like linoleum or carpet) or inside and "open" like a warehouse or factory floor (as if anybody is actually building factories nowdays) or shipping area, or outside and exposed to further weathering and heat/cold cycling and ice buildup/expansion stresses/freeze-melt stresses.

Given a safe benign environment, self-leveling floor mixes might be just fine. Or will destroy the project and cost millions.

 

[dhoward26]

He's looking for a full slab top coat. Apparently the finish work on the pour didn't go so well. I recommended that he talk with a local concrete supplier for the information.