Masonry Technical Notes

T 9: ADMIXTURES, ADDITIVES, AND ADDITIONS The terms admixtures and additives are commonly used interchangeably. The term "addition" is much less commonly used. ASTM gives the following definitions: Admixture: a material other than water, aggregates, hydraulic cement, and fiber reinforcement used as an ingredient of concrete or mortar and added to the batch immediately before or during its mixing. a material that is interground or blended in limited amounts into a hydraulic cement during manufacturing either as a "processing addition" to aid in manufacturing and handling the cement or as a "functional addition" to modify the use properties of the finished product.

Addition:

The word "additive" is not listed in ASTM terminology, although it is frequently used instead of "admixture". Admixtures for concrete (and to a very limited extent for mortars) consist of chemical and mineral varieties. Liquid admixtures for water reduction, retardation, acceleration, and air-entrainment predominate the chemical category while solid substances such as fly ash and silica fume are the most commonly used mineral admixtures. Solid substances such as fly ash and hydrated lime, when added to mortars, are properly termed as admixtures but more often are called additions. The terminology is confusing and, thus, the accepted interchangeability in daily usage. Further confusion can result with some substances that may be introduced by intergrinding with the cement (at the cement mill) or added at the mortar mixer; in the former case it is an addition, but in the latter case, it is properly an admixture. A good example of this is an air-entraining agent.

Prepared by: H. C. Fischer, Sc.D., Consultant - Cement, Concrete & Masonry

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Masonry Technical Notes

T 9: ADMIXTURES, ADDITIVES, AND ADDITIONS (continued) Concrete technology makes extensive use of a variety of admixtures to modify the performance characteristics of concrete. Masonry mortars do not use admixtures to any great extent. Indeed, ASTM C270, Standard Specification for Mortar for Unit Masonry, does not prohibit use of admixtures, but does require that they "... shall not be used unless specified"; and that calcium chloride (for acceleration in cold weather), if specified may be used up to 2% by weight of the Portland cement or 1% by weight of the masonry cement, or both, of the mortar. An advisory note points out that calcium chloride may have a detrimental effect on metals (mesh, rods, etc.) and on some wall finishes. A number of proprietary admixtures, usually containing calcium chloride, are sold as anti-freeze compounds. They do not perform this function because, at best, they lower the freezing point of water perhaps only one or two degrees Fahrenheit; to effect an appreciable lowering would necessitate the use of such large amounts that some very undesirable properties would arise with the mortars (too rapid set, excessive shrinkage, etc.) Ready-mixed mortars, mixed at a producer's plant and delivered in tubs or by ready-mix truck, are capable or remaining workable for up to two days and then, when used, perform normally. This is accomplished by the use of proprietary retarders or, more properly, board-life extenders. Although water-reducers, accelerators, and retarders are extensively used in concrete, their use in masonry mortars may produce undesirable effects. Some admixtures are touted as "waterproofers". This is a misnomer. The only way to waterproof a mortar is by means of an applied membrane or coating. A classical case of potential problems arising from the use of an admixture for mortar is that of Sarabond. About 25 years ago, the Dow Chemical co. announced and began marketing a very effective bonding agent for masonry called Sarabond. Its use enhanced bond strength of the mortar/unit interface by several or more orders of magnitude. This proprietary product was composed essentially of an organic material named polyvinylidene chloride.
Prepared by: H. C. Fischer, Sc.D., Consultant - Cement, Concrete & Masonry T-9 pg. 2

Masonry Technical Notes

T 9: ADMIXTURES, ADDITIVES, AND ADDITIONS (continued) This product was considered "safe" because the chloride was not present in the same form as the chloride in calcium chloride and thereby was not of corrosion potential to metals. However, over a period of several to perhaps a dozen years this chemical degraded and liberated free chloride ions that attacked metal reinforcing and ties. Corrosion products created expansive forces that caused some brickwork to break loose and fall from structures! When this occurred at several or more stories above ground level, posing a real safety hazard, the extent of concern and alarm was huge! Litigation persists although the product was, of course, withdrawn from the market. The Sarabond situation was unique and not presented to imply that the use of any or all admixtures in mortars will cause such disastrous side-effects; but, in general, their use is not recommended.

Prepared by: H. C. Fischer, Sc.D., Consultant - Cement, Concrete & Masonry

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pg. 3