Admixture, additive or agent
The use of the different terms ‘admixture’, ‘additive’ and ‘agent’ in relation to concrete production can lead to confusion.
The practical difference between the terms 'admixture' and 'additive' is the time at which the ingredient is added during the mixing process. An admixture is a prepared substance which can be added to concrete for the purposes of achieving or modifying certain properties or characteristics. Admixtures are added to the concrete, in addition to cement, water and aggregate, immediately before or during the mixing process.
The same substance can be referred to as an additive when it is added to cement during the manufacturing process.
The term ‘agent’ can be used to describe a substance that may be used as an additive to cement or an admixture in concrete, such as a binding agent.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Sustainable Urban Drainage and Biodiversity
Awards for champions of these interconnected fields now open.
Microcosm of biodiversity in balconies and containers
Minor design adaptations for considerable biodiversity benefit.
CIOB student competitive construction challenge Ireland
Inspiring a new wave of Irish construction professionals.
Challenges of the net zero transition in Scotland
Skills shortage and ageing workforce hampering Scottish transition to net zero.
Private rental sector, living standards and fuel poverty
Report from the NRH in partnership with Impact on Urban Health.
.Cold chain condensing units market update
Tracking the evolution of commercial refrigeration unit markets.
Attending a conservation training course, personal account
The benefits of further learning for professsionals.
Restoring Alexander Pope's grotto
The only surviving part of his villa in Twickenham.
International Women's Day 8 March, 2025
Accelerating Action for For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.
Lack of construction careers advice threatens housing targets
CIOB warning on Government plans to accelerate housebuilding and development.
Shelter from the storm in Ukraine
Ukraine’s architects paving the path to recovery.
BSRIA market intelligence division key appointment
Lisa Wiltshire to lead rapidly growing Market Intelligence division.
A blueprint for construction’s sustainability efforts
Practical steps to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Timber in Construction Roadmap
Ambitious plans from the Government to increase the use of timber in construction.
ECA digital series unveils road to net-zero.
Retrofit and Decarbonisation framework N9 launched
Aligned with LHCPG social value strategy and the Gold Standard.
Competence framework for sustainability
In the built environment launched by CIC and the Edge.
Institute of Roofing members welcomed into CIOB
IoR members transition to CIOB membership based on individual expertise and qualifications.
Join the Building Safety Linkedin group to stay up-to-date and join the debate.
Government responds to the final Grenfell Inquiry report
A with a brief summary with reactions to their response.
Comments
Concrete is a mixture of three ingredients: aggregates, cement and water. Adding concrete admixtures will result in better quality, better performance and it makes the construction last longer.
Admixtures for concrete to be added in low doses (less than 5% of total volume). This should be added at the time of mixing the concrete. They accelerate the hydration of the concrete. The accelerators are of two types, setting accelerator and hardening accelerator. They facilitate the concrete layers by making it more manageable. The water-reducing plasticizers give it better resistance.