Conplast AE300 constructive solutions

Air entraining admixture

Uses Typical dosage

 To produce air entrained concrete for increased durability

and resistance to damage by frost and de-icing salts. The optimum dosage of Conplast AE300 to meet specific
Typical applications include concrete roads and bridge requirements must always be determined by trials using the
decks, airport runways and taxiways and other extensive materials and conditions that will be experienced in use.
areas of concrete exposed to potential frost damage This allows the optimisation of admixture dosage and mix
design and provides a complete assessment of the concrete
 To improve cohesion and workability of concrete mixes mix.
where poorly graded aggregates must be used and
bleeding, segregation or sand runs occur. As a starting point for trials a dosage of 0.10 litres/100 kg of
cement will typically give an air content of 5+1.5% in a
3
 As part of a combined admixture system for the medium workability concrete of 300 to 350 kg/m
production of ready mixed retarded mortar. cementitious content. Where cement replacement materials
are used they should be included in the cementitious
Advantages content for purposes of calculating admixture dosage. The
presence of PFA or micros-silica may increase the dosage
 Air entrainment increases the resistance of concrete to required to obtain a particular air content. Further details on
attack by frost and de-icing salts, reducing problems of typical dosage levels are given later in this data sheet.
surface scaling and concrete failure.
Use at other dosages
 Entrained air bubbles assist in the formation of a stable
cohesive mix, reducing segregation and bleeding. Dosages outside the typical ranges suggested o this sheet
may by used if necessary and suitable to meet particular
 Air entrainment improves workability and helps produce a mix requirements, provided that adequate supervision is
dense, uniform, close textured surface free from gravel available. Compliance with requirements must be assessed
nests and sand runs, so further enhancing durability. through trial mixes. Contact Fosroc Technical Service
Department for advice in these cases.
 Excellent air bubble stability allows use with a wide range
of aggregate qualities and mix conditions. Properties

Standards compliance Appearance: Brown liquid

o
Specific gravity: Typically 1.02 at 20 C
Conplast AE300 complies with BS 5075 Part 2, BS 4887 Part Chloride content: Nil to BS 5075
1, ASTM C-260 and with the Department of Transport Alkali content: Typically less than 14.0 g.
specification for Highway Works. Na 2 O equivalent per litre of
admixture. A fact sheet on
Description this subject is available.

Conplast AE300 is a chloride free air-entraining admixture Instructions for use

based on neutralised vinsol resin. It is supplied as a brown
solution which instantly disperses in water.
Checking and control
Conplast AE300 acts at the interface between the mixing
Once a suitable dosage has been selected, particular care
water and cement/aggregate particles to produce
should be taken to ensure consistency of materials used
microscopic air bubbles, which are evenly distributed
and mixing and delivery procedures. Air content should be
throughout the concrete. The entrained air enhances
checked regularly by such means as the pressure method
durability by providing protection against the rapid
described in BS1881 and ASTM C231.
temperature changes found in freezing and thawing
conditions and with the use of de-icing salts.
Factors affecting air entrainment
Technical support A number of factors can affect the air entrainment obtained
for a particular dosage of air entraining admixture, some of
Fosroc provides a technical advisory service for on-site which are listed below. The examples given of changes that
assistance and advice on mix design, admixture selection, these factors may make to a concrete mix should be taken
evaluation trials and dispensing equipment. Technical data as guidelines only and the actual effects in any particular
and guidance can be provided for admixtures and other situation confirmed in trials.
products for use with fresh and hardened concrete.

Page 1
Conplast AE300
a) Sands of apparently the same grading may have Effects of overdosing
significantly different effects on the level of air
entrainment, depending on factors such as silt content, An overdose of double the intended amount of Conplast
particle size distribution and particle shape. Where AE300 will result in a significant increase in air entrainment,
changes in sand source or content must be made, or which will tend to reduce strength. The degree of this effect
where sand varies within the same source, a careful will depend on the particular mix design and overdose level.
check must be made on the effects on air entrainment.
Increased air content from an overdose will tend to have an
b) Increased cement fineness will tend to increase air increased plasticising effect. Some slight increase in setting
entrainment. Increased cement content will tend to time may also occur.
decrease air content. Changes in cement source and
type may also lead to changes in the admixture dosage Curing
required to obtain a particular air content.
As with all structural concrete, good curing practice should
c) The presence of carbon or organic impurities may reduce be maintained. Water spray, wet hessian or a Concure
the effectiveness of an air entrainer and require an spray applied curing membrane should be used.
increased dosage. This will not usually be a problem but
care may be required when using PFA, certain pigments Typical performance examples with UK materials
or lignite bearing sands.
Many variables in concerting materials and conditions can
d) Increased concrete temperature will tend to reduce air affect the selection and use of an admixture. Trials should
o o
entrainment. Typically a rise from 10 C to 32 C may be made using relevant materials and conditions in order to
halve the level of air. In normal mixing conditions daily determine the optimum mix design and admixture dosage to
fluctuations will not give significant variations. meet specific requirements.

e) Variations of mixer type and transit time may change the Typical performance examples from evaluation studies of
level of air entrainment. Small losses may occur during Conplast AE300 are included on this data sheet. The
pumping. These will generally be consistent for a given values quoted are representative of results obtained and are
set of conditions. High air contents may significantly provided as illustrations of the performance in different
reduce pump efficiency over long pump distances. situations. Because of the variability of concreting
materials, the results should only be taken as typical of the
f) Normal compacting procedures will not affect air performance to be expected. Results quoted in individual
entrainment. Prolonged vibration should be avoided. examples should not be taken as necessarily directly
comparable with other examples given here or results
g) Increased dosages may be required at low workability obtained elsewhere for Conplast AE300 or other products.
levels to achieve the required air content.
Unless otherwise specified, all testing was carried out to the
Compatibility relevant parts of applicable British Standards.

Conplast AE300 is compatible with other Fosroc admixtures Figure 1: Typical dosage of Conplast AE300 to give a
used in the same concrete mix. All admixtures should be range of air contents with UK materials
added to the concrete separately and must not be mixed
together prior to addition. The resultant properties of
concrete containing more than one admixture should be
assessed by the trial mix procedure recommended on this
data sheet.

Conplast AE300 is suitable for use with all types of ordinary

Portland cement. Contact Fosroc Technical Service
Department for advice on use with special cements and
blends containing cement replacement materials.

Dispensing

The correct quantity of Conplast AE300 should be measured

by means of a recommended dispenser. The admixture
should then be added to the concrete with the mixing water to
obtain the best results.

Contact the Fosroc Technical Service Department for advice

regarding suitable dispensing equipment and its installation.

constructive solutions Page 2

Conplast AE300
Figure 1 shows the range of air contents that are typically UN packaging regulations
obtained at particular dosages of Conplast AE300 over a
range of mix conditions and variables. Particular To comply with current regulations, all product of a
combinations of conditions may give results outside the hazardous nature that are involved in a sea crossing as part
indicated area. of the delivery requirements must be packed in United
Nations Approved receptacles.
Figure 2: Example of variability of air content caused
by particular aggregate and cement source variations When a known sea crossing is involved, whether local to the
United Kingdom or for export worldwide, Fosroc will supply
in the correct UN packaging. Where Fosroc are only
requested to deliver within the United Kingdom mainland,
but the purchaser intends to ship on, it is incumbent on the
purchaser to specify that UN packaging is required at the
time of placing the order. Otherwise, once delivery is
received, the responsibility is that of the purchaser.

The use of UN packaging may affect the selling price of

products. Refer to the local Fosroc office or representative.

Storage

Conplast AE300 has s minimum shelf life of 12 months

o
provided the temperature is kept within the range of 2 C to
o
50 C. Should the temperature of the product fall outside
this range then the Fosroc Technical Service Department
should be contacted for advice.
o
Freezing point: Approximately 0 C.

Precautions
The lines on Figure 2 are paired; the solid lines show results
from one particular aggregate source and the dashed lines
Health and safety
from a different source. In each pair, the upper line and
lower line show the effect of two different cement sources.
These results relate specifically to the aggregate and Conplast AE300 is alkaline and an irritant and should not be
cement sources used in the example, other sources and mix swallowed or allowed to come into contact with skin and
design are likely to give different results. eyes. Suitable protective gloves and goggles should be
worn. Splashes on the skin should be removed with water.
In case of contact with eyes rinse immediately with plenty of
Limitations
water and seek medical advice. If swallowed seek medical
attention immediately – Do not induce vomiting.
Some cement replacement materials, particularly low grade
PFA, may lead to a significant increase it he dosage of Fire
Conplast AE300 required to produce a desired air content.
In such situations the use of an air entrainer based on Conplast AE300 is water based and non-flammable.
synthetic surfactants, such as Conplast AE316 is
recommended. Cleaning and Disposal

Estimating – packaging Spillages of Conplast AE300 should be absorbed onto sand,

earth or vermiculite and transferred to suitable containers.
Conplast AE300 is available in drum and bulk supply. For Remnants should be hosed down with large quantities of
larger users, storage tanks can be supplied. Details of water.The disposal of excess or waste material should be
specific packaging volumes are available on request. carried out in accordance with local legislation under the
guidance of the local waste regulatory authority.

Important note:
Fosroc products are guaranteed against defective materials and manufacture and are sold subject to its standard Conditions
for the Supply of Goods and Services, copies of which may be obtained on request. Whilst Fosroc endeavours to ensure that
any advice, recommendation, specification of information it may give is accurate and correct, it cannot, because it has no direct
or continuous control over where or how its products are applied, accept any liability either directly or indirectly arising from the
use of its products, whether or not in accordance with any advice, specification, recommendation of information given by it.

Fosam Company Limited

Telephone: +966 2 637 5345 Fax: +966 2 637 5891 email: [email protected]
Head Office
Post Box 11081 Regional Offices
Jeddah Sales Office Tel: (02) 608 0999 Fax: (02) 638 0693 Yanbu Tel: (04) 322 4280 Fax: (04) 391 2980
Jeddah - 21453 Jeddah Showroom Tel: (02) 665 0187 Fax: (02) 667 4844 Makkah Tel: (02) 542 0869 Fax: (02) 542 0869
Saudi Arabia Riyadh Tel: (01) 482 9303 Fax: (01) 482 7562 Medinah Tel: (04855 0091 Fax: (04) 855 0047
Dammam Tel: (03) 814 1282 Fax: (03) 814 1581 Jubail Tel: (03) 362 3904 Fax: (03) 362 3875

www.fosroc.com
Khamis Mushayt Tel: (07) 250 0469 Fax: (07) 250 0469 CSD Tel: (02) 608 0999 Fax: (02) 638 0693
Registered Office: Industrial Area, Phase 4, Road No. 414, Street No. 407
Page 3 FO SA/CONPLAST AE300/05/A