Compatibility between a quartz surface hardener and different base concrete mixtures

Abstract

Many cases of cracking and detachment of the concrete surface have appeared in concrete floors, namely pavements where surface hardeners were used, especially in car parks, industrial areas and warehouses. This paper studies the behaviour of ten different base concretes mixtures made with two chemical admixtures and four additions, when a quartz surface hardener is applied. The objective is to identify the relevant parameters of the concrete constituents that influence the open time. Results show that the type of chemical admixture used to fabricate the concrete is important, but also the kind of admixture due to the water available to make the interconnection between the base concrete and surface hardener. © RILEM 2012.