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Self Leveling Concrete Mix

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dhoward26

Structural
Joined
Jun 2, 2011
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160
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US
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?
 
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.
 
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.
 
There are proprietary mixes that include surfactant, which is largely responsible for the self leveling action.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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