Specifile Spotlight November 2021: Cement & Concrete

SPOTLIGHT NOVEMBER 2021

A masterpiece of cement engineering

Pet-friendly CEMENT FLOORS Smart monitoring INSIGHT INTO THE STRENGTH OF CONCRETE

All Purpose Cement is specifically designed to consistently deliver proven strength, workability, durability and the highest quality. W hen you choose AfriSam, you choose quality cement thatʼs as dedicated and reliable as you are. Ask for AfriSam.

www.afrisam.com

Creating Concrete Possibilities

1

1000 CHO MAKING 1 QUALITY

WHAT GOES IN

We know that building today only matters if we have a tomorrow to look fo significant initiatives in the areas of energy optimisation and emission red using resources and holistically reducing our carbon footprint. Our responsib we do in order to sustain life for future generations. Ask for AfriSam.

2www.afrisam.com

OICES. ALL THE RIGHT ONES. Y CEMENT.

NTO IT MATTERS.

orward to. As leaders in sustainability, we’ve undertaken duction, including the rehabilitation of mines, optimally ble attitude towards the environment informs everything

Creating Concrete Possibilities

3

HOUSE ESPERANCE Australia An attractive concrete block retaining wall - with function - can bring appeal to any garden. If you’re looking to change the character of your backyard and create more entertainment space at the same time, a retaining wall may be your answer.

PROJECT PARTICIPANTS Client: Felicity Stewart • Main Contractor: TD Contracting

4

In Esperance, Western Australia, Felicity Stewart did just that.

Choosing Terraforce – an interlocking retaining wall system developed in South Africa and manufactured in Australia by The Block Makers – they appointed TD Contractors, Terraforce recommended landscape contractor, to transform their backyard into an eyecatching outdoor space to

Don’t let the slope in your backyard get in the way of your landscaping dreams!

be enjoyed by the entire family.

Terraforce earthretaining blocks have an advantage over other systems because they offer three finishes, are fully plantable, and their unique shape allows for the wall design to include sharp or gentle curves, easily following any slope contours as required.

Making full use of these features, TD Contractors

installed Terraforce L11 blocks – in charcoal, rock face finish facing outwards - with a central curvature and three partly feathered terraces, creating a gorgeous backdrop for lush green lawns and a paved firepit cove. Steps to the first terrace were incorporated into the wall design, by reversing the blocks to comfortable steps.

5

BAG the BENEFITS AfriSam All Purpose Cement is the result of careful research and development by our cement technicians. It is a specially blended high-quality cement for use in all structural, building and masonry applications and possesses the following properties:

AFRISAM QUALITY • Reduces heat of GUARANTEED hydration in mass AfriSam stakes its concrete. reputation on high-quality • Improves concrete’s products and their All resistance to chemical Purpose Cement is no attack, including exception. sulphate, chloride and soft water.

• AfriSam • Makes concrete manufacturing highly resistant to facilities are ISO 9001 alkali-aggregate certified. reaction.

• We have the highest • Reduces permeability possible Quality of concrete in waterManagement Systems. retaining structures.

• AfriSam All Purpose • Is easy to work Cement fully with and produces complies with the consistently excellent SANS 50197 cement results every time. specification for common cements.

This consistent quality, • The composition versatility and proven of the cement is strength make it the constantly monitored choice for builders, and maintained architects, engineers, to guarantee high contractors and DIY quality performance enthusiasts. in the 42,5N MPa

6

strength class.

PERFORMANCE AfriSam All Purpose Cement produces durable concrete, mortar and plaster that will remain strong for years. It can be successfully used in any application where high early strength is not of primary importance.

Its long-term strength is consistent with cements in the 42,5N MPa strength class.

THE CHOICE FOR EVERY JOB AfriSam All Purpose Cement offers consistent strength, workability and durability, making it ideal for the following applications: • Brick and block making.

• Reservoirs and

• • • • • • •

•

swimming pools.

Precast operations.

Mining applications.

Structural concrete.

Plaster, mortar and shotcrete.

Tips for storage Store in a dry enclosed area.

Store off the floor on a wooden pallet or plastic sheeting to prevent moisture absorption.

Keep doors and windows closed to eliminate airflow.

AVAILABILITY AfriSam All Purpose Cement is available at reputable merchants in areas where AfriSam is supplied. Please contact our customer service department for the location of your nearest stockist.

HEALTH AND SAFETY Occupational exposure limits to cement are recommended in the Occupational Health and Safety Act and summarised as follows: • The recommended limit for total inhalable dust is 10mg/m³ and the

respirable recommended limit is 5mg/m³.

• Direct skin contact for extended periods can result in severe burns.

• Suitable attire should be worn to prevent dust inhalation and direct skin contact.

• A detailed Safety Data Sheet is available on request.

CLIENT SUPPORT Behind every bag of cement is AfriSam’s unique and highly developed sales support, technical service and supply infrastructure. This is to ensure that each of our customers can rest assured that every bag is of the highest quality.

Our fully-equipped laboratory is run by qualified technicians who are ready to assist with specific requirements.

AfriSam is committed to sustainable development.

As such, we strive towards: • Legal compliance at

all times.

• Optimal use of natural resources.

• Waste reduction.

• Reduced use of fossil fuels.

• Minimising environmental degradation and pollution.

• Employee training and stakeholder engagement.

CO2 RATING To enable consumers to make informed purchase decisions, all AfriSam bags now reflect the carbon rating of each product.

DELIVERING ON QUALITY IN A RESPONSIBLE WAY Through our commitment to sound environmental stewardship, we offer high quality products and customer peace of mind.

QUALITY CEMENT MEANS A QUALITY BUILD

7

RUNNING MEETING QUALITY

WHAT GOES IN

By choosing our Readymix, you’re choosing a head start on building a vision mixes ensure you’ll get it done on time, on-spec and with the highest qualit superior quality build, you need superior quality concrete. Ask for AfriSam.

8www.afrisam.com

G A TIGHT SHIP. G TIGHTER DEADLINES. Y CONCRETE.

NTO IT MATTERS.

n. No matter how big or small your project, our cement ty concrete. Because when you’re focused on ensuring a

Creating Concrete Possibilities

9

Concrete repair

using DURA.REP FR

dura.rep FR mortar with dura.®bond GP primer shall be used for vertical or overhead concrete surfaces to be repaired in one or more layers, each layer 10 – 80 mm thick vertically, 10 – 50 mm thick overhead, where 22 – 25 N/ mm² compressive strength and resistance to carbon dioxide and chlorides is required. The minimum depth for repair will be 10 mm.

PRIMING CONCRETE The prepared substrate will be thoroughly wetted with clean water to totally satisfy absorption and any standing or excess water will be removed.

The concrete primer will be dura.bond GP acrylic emulsion which will be worked firmly into the damp substrate with a short-bristle brush to achieve a film intimate with the contact area for immediate repair.

Single repair areas larger than 0.5 m² shall be partly primed to commence and thereafter progressively in maximum 0.5 m² adjacent bays as the application of the repair mortar proceeds.

10

The repair mortar will be applied whilst the dura. bond GP is tacky.

Repairs to concrete subject to permanent immersion will be primed with epidermix 345 ‘Slow- set’ which will be worked firmly into the damp substrate with a short-bristle brush to achieve a film intimate with the contact area for immediate repair.

If the primer dries before the mortar is applied, the area will be reprimed once.

MIXING REPAIR MORTAR Before mixing the repair mortar the contractor will ensure that sufficient

and correct areas for reinstatement are prepared and ready to receive repair mortar.

Only mixes using complete bags of dura. rep FR will be allowed.

Part bag mixes are not permitted.

The mixing will be carried out strictly in accordance with current product instructions for use and only with appropriate mixing equipment.

The mixing water will be of potable quality and the carefully measured quantity of water for the required mix will be placed into the mixing container before the dura. rep FR.

SURFACE COATING FOR IMMERSED CONDITIONS dura.®flex Surface Coating dura.flex® is a twocomponent polymer modified cementitious coating, developed for use as an internal coating for CURING potable water retaining Details of the methods structures such as water of curing will be submitted to the Contract storage reservoirs and Administrator for approval. water towers.

The total dry film Curing techniques will be instigated immediately thickness (dft) will be not less than 1.8 mm following the application and will be capable of of repair mortar to any providing CO2 diffusion given area. Large areas resistance equivalent to (0.5 m² at a time) will not less than 125 mm of be cured as trowelling 30 MPa concrete cover progress without waiting (Taywood method using for the completion of the Klopfer’s criteria). It will whole area. provide protection against dura.bond GP may be low-pressure spray applied chloride ingress showing no measurable ingress as a curing membrane. after 400 days immersion In fast drying conditions, under accelerated testing it will be necessary to conditions (Taywood supplement this with Method). a polyethylene sheet taped around its edges.

USE Note: dura.bond GP is For application to compatible with the dura. prepared backgrounds of cote range of surface reinforced and pre-cast coatings and does not concrete and masonry require removal prior to application of a dura.cote where it is required to minimise ingress of material. Other curing chlorides, CO2 and water, membranes will require whilst permitting moisture removal prior to further vapour transmission from surface treatment. the structure.

During application and curing, all work will be SURVEY protected against direct Areas recently prepared strong sunlight.

The dura.rep FR will be added to the mixing water and in no circumstances will more water be added than the maximum volume stated for each bag.

overall with dura. rep repair mortars in accordance with a.b.e.® specification will present a surface suitable to directly receive a coating.

Areas, where the previous works have not taken account of the need to prepare the overall surface to receive a coating (small patch repairs), will be the subject of an inspection identifying the background character, nature, and surface presentation.

Information will be provided to the Contract Administrator detailing the areas for surface coating and the degree of preparation proposed together with techniques to be employed. The technical approval of the Contract Administrator will be obtained prior to commencement.

SURFACE PREPARATION All surfaces which are to receive the coating must be free from oil, grease, wax, dirt, or any other form of foreign matter that might affect adhesion.

Good quality concrete surfaces can be cleaned using a high-pressure water jet. Poor quality, friable, or contaminated concrete may require grit blasting.

Spalled surfaces or

11

those containing large blowholes, cracks and other such defects should be repaired using a suitable dura.rep repair mortar.

If the surface contains small blowholes, typically less than 3 mm wide, or cracks no wider than 300 μm, the coating can be applied directly onto the substrate without the need for a repair mortar.

Only the specified areas will be coated; where protection/masking is required, dependent upon the method of application, it will be provided and installed to the approval of the Contract Administrator.

to scrape any unmixed powder from the side of the drum into the mixture.

APPLICATION The prepared substrate will be thoroughly wetted with clean water to totally satisfy absorption and any standing or excess water will be removed.

In very porous substrates, particularly in hotter climates, saturate the surface, leave for 1 – 2 hours, then saturate again. Ensure excess water is removed before proceeding.

The material will not be applied when the ambient or substrate temperature is below 5 ºC or 5 ºC on MIXING a falling thermometer.

Pour the liquid The applied coating will component (5 L) from always be protected the plastic container from rain and frost whilst into a plastic or metal drying. drum having a volume The coating can be of at least 20 litres. applied by soft-bristled Gradually add the powder brush, medium-haired component (20 kg) to roller or steel trowel. the liquid whilst mixing A special spray unit with a propeller agitator has been developed by attachment on a slow a.b.e.® for large contracts. speed drill (400 – 600 Consult your local a.b.e.® rpm unloaded). Continue representative. mixing, constantly moving The first coat should the agitator around the be applied at a minimum drum, until a lump-free wet film thickness of consistency is achieved.

1 mm. Monitor the Mixing is continued for a coating thickness during minimum of 3 minutes, application at regular stopping at least once intervals using a wet film

12

comb gauge. Care must be taken to check that all blowholes and other imperfections are filled during application. If not, this can be done while the coating is still wet by using a dry sponge. If the coating has dried before these imperfections are found they can be filled using fresh material.

Allow curing for a minimum of 4 hours @ 20 ºC/50% RH. This time can be reduced substantially in hotter climates.

All the mixed materials should be used within 45 minutes of mixing.

In hot, humid, coastal situations and in heavy industrial areas ensure that the interval between

successive coatings is kept to a minimum. This is to prevent possible contamination of the surface of the preceding coating with air-borne contaminants, resulting in possible intercoat adhesion failure and reduced coating performance. In the event that delays are unavoidable, wash down the surface thoroughly with clean water before proceeding with the following coating.

The second coat should also be applied at a minimum wet film thickness of 1 mm.

Monitor the coating thickness during application at regular intervals using a wet film comb gauge. Predampening of the surface is not necessary when applying the second coat.

polymer to come to the surface of the coating that causes an unsightly white streaky effect.

CURING Under normal conditions of application, no curing is required.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED • Heavy-duty Festo mixer with helical mixing head.

• Pan Mixer Suitable 25 litre containers.

• Steel trowel.

• Steel float.

• Spatula.

IMPORTANT NOTE This data sheet is issued as a guide to the use of the product(s) concerned. Whilst a.b.e.® Construction Chemicals Limited endeavours to ensure that any advice, recommendation, specification or FINISHING information is accurate To produce a smooth and correct, the company finish or to repair film cannot – because defects use either a steel a.b.e.® has no direct or trowel, caulking tool, or continuous control over hard sponge. This should where and how a.b.e.® be done immediately after products are applied – application, otherwise, the accept any liability either coating may drag or tear. directly or indirectly When using a hard arising from the use of sponge it should be dry a.b.e.® products, whether or very slightly damp. A or not in accordance with wet sponge should not be any advice, specification, used as this will cause the recommendation, or

information given by the company.

FURTHER INFORMATION Where other products are to be used in conjunction with this material, the relevant technical data sheets should be consulted to determine total requirements.

BROCHURES PRODUCTS VIDEOS PROJECT LIBRARY TECHNICAL DATASHEETS NEWS CONTACT

13

14

SMART MONITORING of concrete Contractors need to know when their concrete has reached a certain strength, to move ahead with the next stage of construction, but this has never been very easy to find out – until now.

Having insight into the strength of concrete helps contractors determine when the concrete can be walked on or when formwork can be removed so that there are no unnecessary delays in the construction schedule.

However, concrete strength can be difficult

to estimate, as it does not always develop at the same speed. Temperature and weather conditions will affect how fast or slow the strength of a structure develops.

CHRYSO’s Maturix software solution now makes it possible to measure the maturity

“ “

It can make real-time maturity calculations, as well as future projections on concrete strength, based on machine learning.

15

of concrete on-site or in precast element production. Maturix monitors the curing process of concrete, gathering data from in-situ sensors and processing this information on an intuitive software platform.

It can make real-time maturity calculations, as well as future projections on concrete strength, based on machine learning.

While concrete maturity alone does not show how strong the concrete is, the maturity method can determine the relationship between maturity and strength development.

Concrete maturity is a concept that relates to temperature, time and strength development.

The maturity method is therefore an easy way to estimate the early-age strength development of a concrete mix. Maturix achieves this by providing all relevant insights for concrete monitoring, including temperature, humidity and ambient climate.

Maturix works through a concrete sensor cable which is mounted to the reinforcement before the wet concrete is poured.

The thermocouple is connected to the Orbit

16

K transmitter and the monitoring is initiated on a smartphone or computer. Data is continuously transmitted using the Internet of Things (IoT) network Sigfox for accurate real-time data.

The user can track the strength and maturity of the concrete from anywhere and at any time and can receive a notification when the curing is complete. They can be notified by SMS, email, app notification or on a customised dashboard. This facilitates better scheduling on-site, as the user is given exact insights into the concrete behaviour – allowing the project workflow and timelines to be adjusted based on realtime data. This flexibility helps to streamline the construction process, saving time and money.

Maturix also makes it easy to document processes for quality assurance reporting, as all monitored data is automatically saved as online reports, which can be shared, exported and downloaded.

17

WHAT goes into it MATTERS

AfriSam All Purpose Cement is the result of careful research and development by our cement technicians. It is a specially blended high-quality cement for use in all structural, building and masonry applications and possesses the following properties:

• Reduces heat of Purpose Cement is no hydration in mass exception. concrete.

• Improves concrete’s • AfriSam resistance to chemical manufacturing attack, including facilities are ISO 9001 sulphate, chloride certified. and soft water.

• We have the highest • Makes concrete possible Quality highly resistant to Management Systems. alkali-aggregate • AfriSam All Purpose reaction.

Cement fully • Reduces permeability complies with the of concrete in waterSANS 50197 cement retaining structures. specification for • Is easy to work common cements. with and produces • The composition consistently excellent of the cement is results every time. constantly monitored and maintained This consistent quality, to guarantee high versatility and proven quality performance strength make it the in the 42,5N MPa choice for builders, strength class. architects, engineers, contractors and DIY PERFORMANCE enthusiasts.

AfriSam All Purpose AfriSam quality Cement produces durable guaranteed AfriSam concrete, mortar and stakes its reputation on plaster that will remain consistently high-quality strong for years. It can products and our All be successfully used in

18

any application where high early strength is not of primary importance.

Its long-term strength is consistent with cements in the 42,5N MPa strength class.

THE CHOICE FOR EVERY JOB AfriSam All Purpose Cement offers consistent strength, workability and durability, making it ideal for the following applications: • Brick and block making.

• Reservoirs and swimming pools.

• Precast operations.

• Mining applications.

• Structural concrete.

• Plaster, mortar and shotcrete.

TIPS FOR STORAGE: • Store in a dry enclosed area.

• Store off the floor on a wooden pallet

or plastic sheeting to prevent moisture absorption.

• Keep doors and windows closed to eliminate airflow.

AVAILABILITY AfriSam All Purpose Cement is available at reputable merchants in areas where AfriSam is supplied. Please contact our customer service department for the location of your nearest stockist.

HEALTH AND SAFETY Occupational exposure limits to cement are recommended in the Occupational Health and Safety Act and summarised as follows:

A detailed Safety Data Sheet is available on request.

CLIENT SUPPORT Behind every bag of cement is AfriSam’s unique and highly developed sales support, technical service and supply infrastructure. This is to ensure that each of our customers can rest assured that every bag is of the highest quality.

Our fully-equipped laboratory is run by qualified technicians who are ready to assist with specific requirements.

AfriSam is committed to sustainable development AfriSam is committed to sustainable development.

As such, we strive towards:

environmental degradation and pollution.

• Employee training and stakeholder engagement.

CO2 RATING To enable consumers to make informed purchase decisions, all AfriSam bags now reflect the carbon rating of each product.

Delivering on quality in a responsible way Through our commitment to sound environmental stewardship, we offer high quality products and customer peace of mind.

• The recommended limit for total • Legal QUALITY inhalable dust compliance at CEMENT is 10mg/m³ and all times.

MEANS the respirable • Optimal use A QUALITY recommended limit is BUILD of natural 5mg/m³. resources.

• Direct skin contact • Waste for extended periods reduction. can result in severe • Reduced use burns. of fossil fuels.

• Suitable attire should • Minimising be worn to prevent dust inhalation and direct skin contact.

BAG 19

IRON WIL SOLID TE QUALITY

WHAT GOES IN

All Purpose Cement is specifically designed to consistently deliver proven st workability, durability and the highest quality. When you choose AfriSa choose quality cement that’s as dedicated and reliable as you are. Ask for Af

20 www.afrisam.com

LL. EAM. Y CEMENT.

NTO IT MATTERS.

trength, am, you friSam.

Creating Concrete Possibilities

21

Why CEMENT FLOORS are ndly

pet-frie

Those of us who live with and love our pets consider them to be an important part of the family. When choosing the flooring materials we use in our home, therefore, we should give careful thought to how they might affect the comfort of our four-footed companions, and how well they will stand up to claws, muddy paws and the inevitable pet accident. Whether you own a cat or dog (or both), few flooring materials are friendlier to pets and their owners than cement. Here are the reasons why.

22

MORE RESISTANT TO PET STAINS AND ODOURS When the pores in cement are sealed with a protective film-forming sealer or floor finish, pet urine can’t seep into the floor and leave behind lingering odours and stains.

EASY TO CLEAN When your pets shed fur or race through your home with rain-soaked

MITES, AND OTHER PET PATHOGENS In addition to fur, pets shed animal dander (flakes of skin) that can aggravate allergies in sensitive people. Smooth floor surfaces like cement won’t trap this dander the way carpets will, making the dander easy to remove during routine cleaning.

Cement floors also won’t harbour fleas or mites that your pet may carry into the home.

as adhesives & padding.

Some of the adhesives used under vinyl sheet goods and linoleum can also emit VOCs. Concrete floors, stained with nontoxic pigments, do not release VOCs that can be harmful to you as well as your pets.

ARE MORE RESISTANT TO SCRATCHING Playful, rambunctious pets and their claws can scratch floor surfaces, but once sealed your cement floors are more resistant to scratching. Furthermore using CreteCare Polish will increase the resistance even more.

Will you be investing in a timeless cement floor finish that will have you and your four-legged friends living in a clean and peaceful home?

or muddy paws, cleaning up after them is no sweat if your floors are cement.

Just give the floor a few swipes with a broom and mop with water and CreteCare Mop & Shine, and the mess is history.

DO NOT TRAP FLEAS,

DO NOT EMIT VOCS WHICH CAN BE HARMFUL TO YOURSELF AND YOUR PETS Synthetic carpets can emit volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, as can some of the products that accompany carpet installation such

23

4380 HOURS TO BUILD A HOUSE. 321 OBSTACLES TO MANAGE. 1 QUALITY CEMENT. WHAT GOES INTO IT MATTERS.

All Purpose Cement is specifically designed to consistently deliver proven strength, workability, durability and the highest quality. When you choose AfriSam, you choose quality cement that’s as dedicated and reliable as you are. Ask for AfriSam.

24

www.afrisam.com

Creating Concrete Possibilities