Green Isn't Just For St. Patrick's Day

MCE—the "green" solution for sustainable construction

As St. Patrick’s Day approaches, cities across the world are preparing to turn their rivers green in celebration. While festive dyes are a temporary tradition, the construction industry faces a more permanent demand for "green" solutions. As the adoption of low-carbon Portland-Limestone Cement (Type 1L) grows, ensuring long-term durability is critical. Type 1L mixes can present challenges, including increased permeability and slower strength gain. Chem-Crete® MCE™ (Multi-Crystalline Intermixed Concrete Enhancer) addresses these issues, providing robust protection while maintaining a 100% green, non-toxic profile.

MCE integrates into 1L cement, forming a dense internal crystalline network that minimizes porosity and resists moisture in all forms: liquid, vapor and ice. This process dramatically improves freeze-thaw resistance by reducing mass loss up to 91.6%, boosts compressive strength and mitigates Alkali Silica Reactivity (ASR) expansion by as much as 77%.

Selecting the appropriate MCE dosage is key to maximizing performance based on project requirements. Ideal for most infrastructure and general construction, the 1% dosage rate provides an optimal balance of performance and workability, especially for projects requiring mechanical finishing. Benefits include delivery of high-level waterproofing, protection against chemical ingress and reduction in ice adhesion. It also maintains standard workability, allowing finishing crews to operate without process changes. Applications include slipform paving (mainline, curbs and bridge rails), projects using power trowels and general structural concrete.

For projects in extreme environments or requiring superior longevity, the 2% dosage rate is recommended. It offers maximum protection, including a 91.6% reduction in freeze-thaw mass loss and a 45–77% reduction in ASR expansion. The 2% dosage increases electrical resistivity by over 90% to prevent steel corrosion and provides anti-microbial protection against mold and microbial growth. Applications include marine structures, sea walls, parking decks exposed to heavy deicing salts and projects in severe cold climates down to -50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Both the 1 and 2% MCE dosages support sustainable construction by being 100% VOC-free and non-toxic, making MCE safe for environmentally sensitive areas like rivers, oceans and waterways.

By choosing MCE for your 1L concrete designs, you are not just ensuring structural longevity; you are committing to a truly sustainable construction practice that respects the environment as much as it resists the elements. Learn more about MCE by visiting our website: https://www.iccdistributiongroup.com/mce

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