Title: Evaluation of Calcium Formate and Sodium Formate as Accelerating Admixtures for Portland Cement Concrete

Author(s): Steven Gebler

Publication: Journal Proceedings

Volume: 80

Issue: 5

Appears on pages(s): 439-444

Keywords: accelerating agents: admixtures; calcium chlorides; calcium compounds;calorimeters; compressive strength; concretes; formates; hardened concretes.

Date: 9/1/1983

Abstract:
Tests were conducted to determine the effectiveness of calcium and sodium formates as chloride-free accelerating admixtures for concrete. Evaluation of admixture effectiveness was primarily based on mortar and concrete compressive strengths rather than solely on setting time measuremenis. Test results indicate that calcium formate was an effective accelerating admixture for portland cement concretes when used with certain cement compositions. Calcium formate can be used effectively to accelerate compressive strength development for concretes containing portland cements with a ratio of CA to SO greater than four and a low SO content. It was also found that the compressive strength of concrete mixtures containing calcium formate was considerably lower at early ages than for those mixtures containing an equal quantity of calcium chloride.