Fresh Concrete refers to the concrete that can be moulded and it is in plastic state. It is also known as “Green Concrete”. The durability and potential strength of concrete of a given mix proportion depends on the degree of its compaction. So, consistency of the mix should be maintained such that the concrete can be placed, transported and finished sufficiently to attain the expected strength and durability.

Here we are sharing the Key Properties of Fresh Concrete:

Properties of Fresh Concrete:

#1. Setting of Concrete

concrete setting

Setting of concrete refers to hardening of concrete before it gains strength. It is related to setting of cement paste. Hence, cement properties greatly affects the setting time of the concrete.

Some of the factors affecting the setting of concrete are mentioned below:

  • Water Cement Ratio
  • Cement Content
  • Suitable Temperature
  • Type of Cement
  • Relative Humidity
  • Fineness of Cement
  • Admixtures
  • Type & Amount of Aggregate

#2. Workability of Concrete

Workability of Fresh concrete

Concrete Workability refers to relative ease with which fresh mix can be handled, compacted, placed and finished to its final structure without separation of ingredients.

Concrete having poor workability doesn’t flow smoothly into forms. It doesn’t properly cover reinforcing steel and embedded items and it is difficult to compact & finish. It is related to consistency and cohesiveness of the mix and basically affected by aggregates, content, water content and admixtures.

Concrete workability can be amplified by air entrainment. Content of air can be increased by controlled process referred as Air Entrainment. Small amount of air are forcibly entrapped in the concrete mixing process. In the case of Fresh concrete tiny air bubbles act as little ball bearings or a lubricant in the mix

#3. Concrete Bleeding

Concrete Bleeding

Water Gain in Concrete is referred to as Bleeding. It is a typical form of segregation where some of the water from concrete comes out to the surface of the concrete. Bleeding is commonly observed in a highly wet mix, improperly proportioned and too little mixed concrete. Due to bleeding, water comes up at the surface and certain amount of cement also comes up with it.

Ways to Prevent Bleeding in Concrete:

  • Proper Proportioning and Complete Mixing Can prevent Bleeding
  • Use of finely divided pozzolanic materials prevents bleeding
  • Air-Entraining Agent Reduces Bleeding
  • Low Alkali Content Reduces Bleeding

#4. Segregation In Concrete

Concrete Segregation

Separation of the constituent material of the concrete is referred as Segregation. Huge differences in the specific gravities and size of the constituent ingredients led to segregation of concrete.

Types of Segregation:

  • Coarse Aggregate Separating Out
  • Paste Separating from Coarse Aggregate
  • Water Separating Out From Rest of The Material

#5. Hydration In Concrete

Concrete gain its strength by the hydration of the cement particles. The hydration is a long process and it continues over a long time at a decreasing rate when high water cement ratio is used. If hydration is to be continued, add extra water to refill the loss of water due to absorption and evaporation.

#6. Air Entrainment

Air Entrainment in Concrete

It reduces the density of the concrete and finally reduces the strength. Air Entrainment generates number of effects in plastic as well as hardened concrete. These Include:

  • Resistant to Freeze in Hardened Concrete
  • Increased Cohesion, Bleeding & Segregation in Plastic Concrete
  • Stability of Extruded Concrete

To know more about fresh concrete, concrete pumping services and equipments, feel free to contact our Maple experts. We provide complete range of concrete pumping services that include shotcrete pump, concrete trailer pump and so on. Our experts are ready to identify your requirements and serve you accordingly.

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