Enhance Concrete Durability with Chem-Crete MCE

Advanced admixture delivers superior results 

Type 1L cement, while offering environmental benefits through reduced CO₂ emissions, presents several field and performance challenges that require careful consideration. Its slower strength gain, particularly in early stages, and increased permeability due to finer particle size and higher limestone content can compromise durability. The higher water demand associated with Type 1L cement often leads to workability issues, slow to no bleed water migration and surface defects such as blisters, scaling and reduced slab surface density. These factors also contribute to excessive plastic and dry shrinkage cracks, as well as surface pinholes and crusting caused by uneven curing. Achieving optimal durability, strength and workability requires an innovative approach.

That’s where Chem-Crete® MCE™ comes in. MCE is a state-of-the-art, multi-crystalline admixture engineered to enhance the performance and longevity of any concrete mix, including those using Type 1L cement. By forming a dense internal crystalline network, MCE significantly boosts your concrete’s capabilities from the inside out.

When mixed into fresh concrete during the batching process, the result is a uniform distribution throughout the cement paste. MCE cures within cement hydration stages, forming a network of hygroscopic and hydrophilic crystals (pore blocking) coupled with molecular layers (pore lining) that become an integral part of the concrete structure. The permeability of the resulting concrete structure is significantly decreased, leading to concrete protection against nearly all types of water-related attacks and thereby enhancing both the concrete durability and structure sustainability. 

With MCE, you can expect:

• Interior waterproofing. Creates an internal barrier (pore-blocking and lining crystals) against water, vapor and ice penetration.

• Enhanced durability. Dramatically improves freeze-thaw resistance, reducing mass loss by up to 91.6%.

• Increased strength. Boosts compressive strength and optimizes hydration efficiency.

• Chloride protection. Minimizes intrusion from deicing salts, protecting vital infrastructure.

• Improved workability. Boosts slump and finishability without altering mix design requirements, offering a “best in class” finishing surface.

• Anti-microbial protection. Resists mold and microbial growth.

• Thermal insulation. Exhibits unique freezing resistance in extreme conditions, helping freshly placed concrete stay above freezing—even in -50 degrees Fahrenheit—for significantly longer than concrete without MCE in the mix.  

• Mitigates Alkali-Silica Reaction (ASR). MCE effectively manages moisture to control ASR, which can cause significant damage and expansion in concrete. Lab tests show that MCE can reduce ASR expansion by up to 77%.

The material’s performance has been demonstrated through extensive laboratory studies, field trials and test projects, including one project in Dallas County, Iowa, in which MCE was specified for a two-mile stretch of County Highway P48 to combat premature joint failure caused by deicing chlorides.

One percent MCE by cementitious volume was added to the ready mix—a simple process because the product is already a ready-to-use aqueous solution that is mixed into the fresh concrete during the batching process. It is dissolved into the mixing water or added at the time of batching, requiring no additional preparation, making it applicable to ready-mix production without complex steps. 

The project was a complete success from batching to paving, resulting in pavement that is more resilient, requires less de-icing brine and provides better protection against ice adhesion. This real-world application demonstrates the immediate and lasting value MCE delivers—a less permeable pavement with improved freeze-thaw performance and increased strength—it reached 3600 psi in just seven days and a 4610 average psi at 21 days (4000 psi design)!

Stay tuned for our November issue, where we dive deeper into the Type 1L challenges and how the combined power of MCE and Pavix can enhance your concrete's performance.

Ready to enhance your next concrete project's performance? Reach out today!

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