A dry construction plaster composition made with at least stucco in an amount from about 25 to about 99 wt %; hydrated lime in an amount from about 0.5 to about 75 wt %; a phosphate-based lime bucking inhibitor in an amount from about 0.01 to about 1 wt %; and a setting reaction controlling agent, wherein the setting reaction controlling agent comprises a set accelerator, a set inhibitor, or any combination thereof is provided. Methods for preparing construction plaster slurries and pastes with reduced lime bucking and methods for finishing a substrate are also provided.

A strengthening concrete admixture for the production of high-strength concrete products is provided. The strengthening concrete admixture comprises water; a set retarder comprising a salt of gluconic acid; one or more set accelerators; one or more hardening accelerators; and at least one stabilizing agent. Incorporation of the strengthening admixture in a cement mixture enhances both early and late age strength development and allows for sustainable and more energy efficient construction practices.

Perlite-free, lightweight setting-type joint compounds which comprise calcium sulfate hemihydrate with a dry density of less than 50 lb/ft.sup.3, a foaming agent having a HLB value of at least 10 and preferably comprising an alkylbenzene sulfonic acid having a linear alkyl chain containing 8 to 14 carbons and/or a salt thereof, and a combination of rheology modifiers. Methods for building wallboard assemblies and methods for wall patch and repair projects that include applying the perlite-free, lightweight setting-type joint compounds to a substrate.