When it comes to construction materials, concrete is one of the most popular choices known for its strength and reliability. But this is only possible if the concrete is mixed the right way. One of the most common problems with concrete is segregation. It’s usually caused with improper mixing techniques and concrete application. This can affect the appearance and structural integrity of the concrete. Because of this, ordering ready mix concrete delivery is better because the aggregates are mixed properly. We will take a closer look at concrete segregation along with its types, causes, and prevention to ensure the best quality concrete each time you go for concrete for your projects.

Understanding Segregation

In simple words, concrete segregation is when you see some ingredients of the concrete as separate. It should not be that way and you should see uniformity and consistency in the concrete mix.

Segregation can happen at any time. It can be during mixing, applying, curing, or transporting concrete. This directly affects the quality of concrete and the structure won’t be durable or appear ugly or both.

Because segregation affects the overall quality of the concrete and can leak to weak structures, it is important for both clients and manufacturers to be aware of this phenomenon and ensure the cement is manufactured or produced under strict quality measures.

Different Types Of Segregation In Concrete

Now that we have discussed the concept of segregation, let us now shift our attention toward discussing the different types.

Separation Of Coarse Aggregates

In this type, the aggregates stay at the bottom of the mix. The causes could be improper mixing, bad grading of the aggregates, and others.

In most cases, such aggregation will result in strength degradation, and surface imperfection and increases the risk of water permeability into the concrete. This is why you might have seen special concrete trucks transporting concrete from one destination to another.

These trucks are designed to maintain the concrete’s structure until it reaches its destination. Otherwise, the last thing anyone would want is the concrete to lose its quality at the last minute just because someone was in a hurry or careless with the production or transportation.

Bleeding

Next, is the bleeding of cement in which the water moves upwards in freshly placed concrete. This usually happens when excess water is added or the water-cement ratio is not carefully considered. Bleeding causes the water to move to the top, while the heavier aggregates settle at the bottom, resulting in weak layers.

Laitance

This is the separation of fine particles in concrete that results in the formation of a white chalky layer on the concrete surface. It usually happens due to over-vibration or poor compaction. Plus, wrong mixing techniques can lead to it as well. This type of segregation is dangerous as it leads to cracking and scaling, ultimately compromising durability.

Grout Separation

This is the one in which the cement paste separates from the aggregates. It can either be a result of too much water or poor mixing. This type of segregation further damages the bond between paste and aggregates. This leaves the concrete structure vulnerable to water seepage.

Chemical Or Biological

This is the non-homogeneous separation of the chemical components in the concrete. This occurs due to differing particle sizes or densities. In most cases, biological segregation takes place due to biological factors and contaminations such as bacterial growth or fungus that tend to affect the integrity of the cement with time.

What Are The Causes Of Cement Segregation?

Understanding the causes of cement segregation is key to preventing them in the future. The following are the reasons behind cement losing its strength and reliability over time.

Poor Mix Proportions

Poor mix proportions are a common reason resulting in cement segregation. Cement is always manufactured under strict quality rules meaning both the quality and quantity of the ingredients used are perfect and not in excess.

A miscalculated ratio of water, aggregates, and cement can cause concrete segregation. High water content in cement will most probably lead to bleeding or laitance. Both cases will lead to the concrete losing its strength and quality even before it is applied.

Poor Mixing

Poor mixing is another reason causing cement segregation. This is why you will notice pockets or clumps of unmixed material in the concrete if the materials are not mixed properly. If there is the use of low-quality mixers, the concrete won’t be properly mixed. Similar, poor mixing can also be due to spending less time than required mixing the aggregates.

That said, uniformity is key to producing strong and durable concrete so using the right techniques is paramount. On-site mixing can be problematic. Therefore, you should order concrete mix delivery Montgomery County offered by reputable suppliers.

Poor Aggregates Grading

The rating and quality of the aggregates have a direct impact on the uniformity of the mix. If the aggregates are either of too low quality or badly graded, they will not bond properly with the cement paste eventually leading to segregation.

This is why it is important to always opt for high-quality rated aggregates for your building projects like building homes and planning home additions to reduce the chances of segregation. High-quality aggregates ensure the smaller particles occupy tiny spaces between the larger ones leading to a much stronger mix and better cement quality.

Rough Handling

Concrete can easily segregate if the supplier is rough in handling while transporting or manufacturing. For example, Using the wrong tools, techniques, or height for mixing will lead to segregation in concrete. If you mix concrete from the wrong height, the heavier aggregates will settle at the bottom leading to improper mixing. This unequal distribution of the constituents or aggregates leads to complications while working with cement.

How To Prevent Concrete Segregation?

Preventing concrete segregation entails a high level of care while mixing, manufacturing, and transporting. Instead of guessing or estimating the quantity of the aggregates or constituents to be used, the experts need to come up with an exact number to maintain quality.

The best way to prevent cement aggregation is by using the right cement-water ratio. At the same time, the aggregates used should be of good quality and rating while appropriate admixtures should be used to increase the strength and reduce the chances of segregation.

Additionally, good quality mixing tools and adequate mixing methods should be utilized to prevent over and under-mixing. Even if the mixing methods are perfect but the tools and equipment are of poor quality, it will still lead to cement segregation.

As a general rule of thumb, concrete should always be manufactured by state-approved companies. Since they employ the latest tools, equipment, and techniques, the chances of concrete segregation are always low. Plus, the quality and quantity of the admixtures, aggregates, and other ingredients are top-notch as well.

Conclusion

Segregation in concrete is avoidable if you were to consider the information mentioned above. Concrete segregation can take place due to a variety of other reasons as well but if you were to ensure the quality standards are met, you won’t have any problems dealing with concrete. But, if you were to use concrete for DIY purposes, you would need to put in some research and know your way around the technical factors. To avoid concrete problems, contact ready mix concrete suppliers Silver Spring.