BASF Rheomatrix En

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RheoMATRIXfor Smart Dynamic Constructionin Ready-Mix

Adding Value to Concrete


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In todays fast-moving and competitive environment, the need for

process economies is a major concern for the construction industry

to save time and money. More fluid concretes allow for such savings.

This is one of the main reasons why the market demands more and

more these concretes. The ready-mix statistics of recent years prove

this significant trend towards concretes with higher fluidity:

Combined with growing pressure towards more sustainability,

the ready-mix industry is facing the following challenges:

A demand for robust and more fluid concretes for day-to-day

applications

Higher durability specifications which require a perfect covering

of reinforcement to extend the service life of structures

Energy efficiency to reduce CO2 emissions

To meet all these challenges perfectly and simultaneously would

require a concrete to fulfill contradicting requirements: cost effective-

ness, self-compaction and robustness. This dilemma can now be

solved with the revolutionary Smart Dynamic ConcreteTM concept

developed by BASF Construction Chemicals a concept for a new

generation of highly fluid concretes.

Industry challenges

Smart Dynamic Construction

A New Generation of Highly Fluid Concretes

Source: ERMCO 2005, 2006

50%

43%

35%

27%

35%

40%

45%

30%

25%

20%

2004 2005 2006 Year


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The Smart Dynamic Construction concept consists of a robust

mix design with less than 380 kg of fines, a tailor-made Glenium

superplasticizer and the new and unique RheoMATRIX, a BASF

exclusive, state-of-the-art Viscosity Modifying Agent (VMA) as the

key element of this revolutionary concept. Due to the smart and

self-organizing molecules of RheoMATRIX, concrete mix designs

can now be optimized to a unique extent to achieve unmatched

performance levels. In fact, it creates a new concrete generation

which combines the benefits of traditionally vibrated concrete

with those of self-compacting concrete and is easy to produce

and robust in every day use: Smart Dynamic Concrete.

The Smart Dynamic Construction concept is suitable to

upgrade S4 and S5 concretes to a higher performance

level with self-compacting characteristics and is as easy

to produce as standard concrete.

It allows the ready-mix industry to reach better construction pro-

cess economy, higher concrete durability and increased energy

efficiency in order to save time and money and reduce CO2

emissions. It is not recommended as a substitute for typical

SCC applications.

RheoMATRIX is the essential component of the Smart

Dynamic Construction concept. It consists of a water-

soluble polymer which modifies the rheological properties

of the concrete mix. Thanks to its tailored mode of action,

RheoMATRIX brings a level of viscosity to the mix that

allows the right balance between fluidity, passing ability

and resistance to segregation apparently opposing

properties to be achieved.

Concept


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The rheology of matter is mainly characterized by two

parameters: yield value and plastic viscosity. In the

Smart Dynamic Construction concept these two para-

meters are controlled by an optimized concrete mix

design but yield value is specially controlled by Glenium

superplasticizers and plastic viscosity by RheoMATRIX.

Standard VMA: VMAs stabilize unstable concrete

increasing yield value, with much lower increase of plastic

viscosity. However, after the addition of 10 l/m3 water,

the mix is back in the unstable area

RheoMATRIX: After addition of 10 l/m3 water,

the mix is still in the stable area

Mechanism of Action

Yield

point0

Plastic viscositypl

+10 l/m3

of water

Stability area

Instability area

Referenz

Plastic viscosity

Yield

point0

pl

Stability area

Instability area

Referenz

+10 l/m3of water


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The unique mix-design optimization now possible

allows the substitution of concrete paste quantity by

concrete paste quality to achieve self-compacting

properties and concrete stability at the same time.

RheoMATRIX is based on BASF proprietary, intelligent

(smart) high molecular weight ionic polymers which interact

among themselves and mainly with water molecules,

generating a water envelope, therefore building up a highly

structured cement paste.

An additional mechanism of action that strengthens the

effectiveness of the system is the simultaneous adsorption

of RheoMATRIX molecules on more than one fine particle

of the cement or fine sand, leading to a bridging phenom-

enon which generates an even more powerful molecular

network.

The effective control of the rheological parameters allows

the achievement of a superior homogeneity of the mix, a

minimum energy dissipation and a minimization of paste

volume and thus of the fine particles content in the mix

design.

Smart RheoMATRIX polymers

which self-organize to a

matrix-like structure

Polymer

Water molecules

Water envelope


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Benefits

This innovative concept meets the existing and conti-

nuously increasing demand for more fluid concretes

and offers the following benefits to the industry:

1. Economical:

Thanks to a unique mechanism of action in concrete,

savings of fines (


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Economical

Savings on fines

Up to 40%

faster placing

Up to 5 times

higher labour productivity

Easy to produce

Ecological

Less fines, less CO2

Higher durability

Ergonomic

No vibration

No noise

Low stickiness

One operator becomes significantly faster than 3operators.


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Technology

Robust mix design

Tailor-made

superplasticizer

Exclusive VMA

Concrete

Fines < 380 kg

60-70cm slump flow

Self-compacting

Benefits in the field of

Economics

Ecology

Ergonomics

At a Glance

Smart Dynamic Construction: A smart technology for a

dynamic concrete to achieve construction benefits.

Smart Dynamic Construction


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Smart Dynamic Construction is designed to upgra-

de S4/S5 concrete to become self-compacting and

robust for day-to-day use at minimum extra cost.

The centerpiece of this concept is RheoMATRIX, a

high performance VMA which allows for a quantum

leap in concrete robustness.

Smart Dynamic Construction combines the advan-

tages of both traditionally vibrated concrete and

self-compacting concrete.

This concept makes unique mix-design optimiza-

tion (by reducing fines) possible.

Smart Dynamic Construction adds economical,

ecological and ergonomic values to concrete and

has the potential to move the market up to the next

level of advanced construction practice.

Conclusions


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Innovative Products

Comprehensive range of admixtures

specially engineered for the needs of

ready-mix producers, precast operators,

contractors and manufactured concrete

products producers

Single Source

Complete range of latest technology

admixtures for concrete and mortar as

well as auxiliary products such as form

release agents, curing compounds and

surface retarders

Superior Logistics

Easy communication and proficient

means of transportation ensured by

local organization

Knowledge and Experience

Superior expertise in concrete and mortar

technology, its application and design with

full local coverage

Value-Added Service

Specification development, mix design

and production process optimization

support and quality control

Expert Training

Specific programmes for producers and

contractors

Deliverables of the Global LeaderAs part of the world's largest chemical company,

BASF Construction Chemicals is the market leader

in the admixtures business. We are committed to

engineering quality solutions to drive the concrete

industry forward. Through constant research and

development into new products, systems, application

methods and equipment, we add value to concrete.

Our market-segment oriented structure means that

you can rely on the proximity of a regional company

with the backing of a global group.

Adding Value to Concrete


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Admixture Systems Europe

BASF Construction Chemicals

Europe AG

Vulkanstrasse 110

8048 Zurich, Switzerland

Phone +41 58 958 22 10

Fax +41 58 958 32 20

[email protected]

www.basf.com1.

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CH

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BASF Rheomatrix En