A new type of concrete that remains workable for up to three hours even in extreme summer heat has been developed and received technology certification.
Hanil Cement and Hanil Industrial announced Tuesday that their "ultra-retention concrete" technology has received technology performance certification from the Architectural Institute of Korea.
The technology's full official name translates as "ultra-retention concrete technology that improves aggregate fine-powder sensitivity through low-molecular CMA and fluidity modifiers to maintain long-term workability." Conventional ready-mixed concrete loses quality when aggregates such as sand and gravel contain large amounts of fine powder. The certified technology reduces quality degradation caused by fine powder, prevents material separation in the concrete mix and helps ensure stable early-stage structural strength.
The ultra-retention concrete was developed by combining Hanil Industrial's admixture blending technology with Hanil Cement's cement material technology. It maintains workability for up to three hours after production even at 35 degrees Celsius. Conventional concrete typically begins to set if not poured within 90 minutes, so the new technology more than doubles the available working time — making it well suited for urban construction sites where traffic congestion is common. Hanil Cement said production mix ratios can also be adjusted by season, allowing consistent-quality construction year-round regardless of weather conditions.
"High summer temperatures accelerate cement hydration, shortening setting time and raising the risk of cracking and delamination," the company said. "The certified technology addresses these quality challenges on construction sites."
freiheit@heraldcorp.com
