PROCESS FOR PREPARING WET CONCRETE COMPOSITIONS AND A METHOD FOR CONTROLLING MIXABILITY, RHEOLOGY AND/OR OPEN TIME OF WET CONCRETE COMPOSITIONS

Abstract

A process for preparing a wet concrete composition, including mixing with water: aggregate(s), a binder system, which is 400 Kg per m.sup.3 or less of the wet concrete composition, and an admixture formulation. The binder system is prepared before or during the mixing, from at least some of the different components of the binder system, taken separately and/or in premix form(s). The binder system has between 1% and 34% dry weight of lime source(s), between 5% and 75% dry weight of ground granulated blast furnace slag, between 21% and 90% dry weight of filler(s), and between 0.1% and 5% SO.sub.3 dry weight, relative to the lime source(s), slag and filler(s). The admixture formulation includes at least one water reducing polymer, optionally with a wetting agent and/or surfactant. The mixing is carried out at a water to binder system weight ratio between 0.2 and 0.4.

Claims

1-10. (canceled)

11. A process for preparing a wet concrete composition comprising a step of mixing with water: (A) at least one aggregate, (B) a binder system, in an amount of 400 Kg per m.sup.3 of the wet concrete composition or less, (C) an admixture formulation, the binder system (B) being prepared before the mixing step or in situ during the mixing step, from at least some of the different components of the binder system; said components being taken separately and/or under the form of premix(es), wherein the binder system (B) comprises: (B1) between 1% and 34% in dry weight of at least one lime source; (B2) between 5% and 75% in dry weight of ground granulated blast furnace slag; (B3) between 21% and 90% in dry weight of at least one filler; and (B4) between 0.1% and 5% in dry weight, relative to the total weight of components (B1), (B2), and (B3), of SO.sub.3; said ground granulated blast furnace slag being a particles mixture of particles having a d.sub.50 greater than or equal to 5 m and less than 15 m, and optionally between 0.1% in weight, in respect with the total weight of the ground granulated blast furnace slag and 100% of particles having a d.sub.50 between 1 m and less than 5 m. said at least one filler being a particles mixture of particles having a d.sub.50 greater than or equal to 0.05 m and less than 8 m, and optionally between 0.1% and 50% in weight, in respect with the total weight of the filler of particles having a d.sub.50 greater than or equal to 8 m and less than 200 m, measurement of d.sub.50 being done by Laser diffraction analysis by means of Laser diffraction analyzer with a humid way method, wherein said admixture formulation (C) comprises: (C1) at least one water reducing polymer; (C2) optionally a wetting agent and/or a surfactant; said water reducing polymer (C1) being a polyethylene glycol bearing terminal phosphonate groups and/or a copolymer comprising the following monomeric units: ##STR00013## wherein: represents a bonding site of a monomeric unit the quantity of monomeric units UA is between 0 and 40 mol %, the quantity of monomeric units UB is between 25 and 95 mol %, the quantity of monomeric units UC is between 5 and 50 mol %, the quantity of monomeric units UD is between 0 and 25 mol %, R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are independently hydrogen or methyl, Z.sub.1 is a bond, a methyl or an ethyl, Z.sub.2 is a bond, CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O, CH.sub.2CH.sub.2OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2O or CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O R.sub.3 is (CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.mR.sub.4, (CH(CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2O).sub.nR.sub.4 or (CH.sub.2CH.sub.2OCH(CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2O).sub.yR.sub.4, m, n and y being an integer independently comprised between 7 and 100, R.sub.4 is hydrogen, methyl, R.sub.5 is hydrogen, methyl or CH.sub.2COOH, and R.sub.6 is OH, OCH.sub.2OH, OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2OH, OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2OH, OCH.sub.2CH(CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2OH, OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2OH, NHR.sub.7, a group bearing a phosphate function, a group bearing phosphonate function or a group bearing sulfonate function, R.sub.7 being a saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched chain comprising from 2 to 12 carbon atoms and one or more heteroatoms, wherein the wetting agent and/or the surfactant (C2), decreases the surface tension of water below 68 mN.Math.m.sup.1 and wherein the wetting agent is selected from glycol compounds and having a molecular weight comprised between 60 g.Math.mol.sup.1 and 130 g.Math.mol.sup.1, and wherein the surfactant have a molecular weight comprised between 131 g.Math.mol.sup.1 and 300 g.Math.mol.sup.1. wherein the step of mixing with water is carried out with a water to binder system (B) weight ratio comprised between 0.2 and 0.4.

12. The process according to claim 11, wherein the aggregate (A) is sand and/or gravel.

13. The process according to claim 11, wherein the lime source (B1) is Portland cement or lime, calcium hydroxide, slaked lime, quick lime, or lime slurry.

14. The process according to claim 11, wherein the lime source (B1) is Portland cement, at least a portion of which being ultrafine cement having a d.sub.50, lower than or equal to 8 m, measurement of d.sub.50 being done by Laser diffraction analysis by means of Laser diffraction analyzer with a humid way method.

15. The process according to claim 11, wherein the filler (B3) is a natural material sourcing from stone-pit, precipitated calcium carbonates or mixtures thereof.

16. The process according to claim 11, wherein the water reducing polymer is anionic, cationic, or zwitterionic.

17. A method for controlling mixability, rheology and/or open time of a wet concrete composition including aggregate (A), water (D) and a binder system (B), in an amount of 400 Kg per m.sup.3 of the wet concrete composition or less, comprising: (B1) between 1% and 34% in dry weight of at least one lime source; (B2) between 5% and 75% in dry weight of ground granulated blast furnace slag; (B3) between 21% and 90% in dry weight of at least one filler, (B4) between 0.1% and 5% in dry weight, relative to the total weight of components (B1), (B2), and (B3), of SO.sub.3; said ground granulated blast furnace slag being a particles mixture of particles having a do greater than or equal to 5 m and less than 15 m, and optionally between 0.1% in weight, in respect with the total weight of the ground granulated blast furnace slag and 100% of particles having a do between 1 m and less 5 m. said filler being a particles mixture of particles having a do greater than or equal to 0.05 m and. less than 8 m, and optionally between 0.1% and 50% in weight, in respect with the total weight of the filler of particles having a d.sub.50 greater than or equal to 8 m and less than 200 m, measurement of d.sub.50 being done by Laser diffraction analysis by means of Laser diffraction analyzer with a humid way method, wherein a water to binder system (B) weight ratio is comprised between 0.2 and 0.4, said method including adding to said wet concrete composition an admixture formulation (C) comprises: (C1) at least one water reducing polymer; (C2) optionally a wetting agent and/or a surfactant; said water reducing polymer (C1) being a polyethylene glycol bearing terminal phosphonate groups and/or a copolymer comprising the following monomeric units: ##STR00014## wherein: represents a bonding site of a monomeric unit the quantity of monomeric units UA is between 0 and 40 mol %, the quantity of monomeric units UB is between 25 and 95 mol %, the quantity of monomeric units UC is between 5 and 50 mol %, the quantity of monomeric units UD is between 0 and 25 mol %, R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are independently hydrogen or methyl, Z.sub.1 is a bond, a methyl or an ethyl, Z.sub.2 is a bond, CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O, CH.sub.2CH.sub.2OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2O or CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O R.sub.3 is (CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.mR.sub.4, (CH(CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2O).sub.nR.sub.4 or (CH.sub.2CH.sub.2OCH(CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2O).sub.yR.sub.4, m, n and y being an integer independently comprised between 7 and 100, R.sub.4 is hydrogen, methyl, R.sub.5 is hydrogen, methyl or CH.sub.2COOH, and R.sub.6 is OH, OCH.sub.2OH, OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2OH, OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2OH, OCH.sub.2CH(CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2OH, OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2OH, NHR.sub.7, a group bearing a phosphate function, a group bearing phosphonate function or a group bearing sulfonate function, R.sub.7 being a saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched chain comprising from 2 to 12 carbon atoms and one or more heteroatoms, wherein the wetting agent and/or the surfactant (C2), decreases the surface tension of water below 68 mN.Math.m.sup.1 and wherein the wetting agent is selected from glycol compounds and having a molecular weight comprised between 60 g.Math.mol.sup.1 and 130 g.Math.mol.sup.1, and wherein the surfactant have a molecular weight comprised between 131 g.Math.mol.sup.1 and 300 g.Math.mol.sup..

18. A wet concrete composition comprising: (A) at least one aggregate, (B) a binder system, in an amount of 400 Kg per m.sup.3 of the wet concrete composition or less, (C) an admixture formulation, and (D) water, wherein the binder system (B) comprises: (B1) between 1% and 34% in dry weight of at least one lime source; (B2) between 5% and 75% in dry weight of ground granulated blast furnace slag; (B3) between 21% and 90% in dry weight of at least one filler, (B4) between 0.1% and 5% in dry weight, relative to the total weight of components (B1), (B2), and (B3), of SO.sub.3; said ground granulated blast furnace slag being a particles mixture of particles having a d.sub.50 greater than or equal to 5 m and less than 15 m, and optionally between 0.1% in weight, in respect with the total weight of the ground granulated blast furnace slag and 100% of particles having a d.sub.50 between 1 m and less 5 m. said filler being a particles mixture of particles having a do greater than or equal to 0.05 m and s less than 8 m, and optionally between 0.1% and 50% in weight, in respect with the total weight of the filler of particles having a d.sub.50 greater than or equal to 8 m and less than 200 m, measurement of d.sub.50 being done by Laser diffraction analysis by means of Laser diffraction analyzer with a humid way method, wherein said admixture formulation (C) comprises: (C1) at least one water reducing polymer; (C2) optionally a wetting agent and/or a surfactant; said water reducing polymer (C1) being a polyethylene glycol bearing terminal phosphonate groups and/or a copolymer comprising the following monomeric units: ##STR00015## wherein: represents a bonding site of a monomeric unit the quantity of monomeric units UA is between 0 and 40 mol %, the quantity of monomeric units UB is between 25 and 95 mol %, the quantity of monomeric units UC is between 5 and 50 mol %, the quantity of monomeric units UD is between 0 and 25 mol %, R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are independently hydrogen or methyl, Z.sub.1 is a bond, a methyl or an ethyl, Z.sub.2 is a bond, CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O, CH.sub.2CH.sub.2OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2O or CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O R.sub.3 is (CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.mR.sub.4, (CH(CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2O).sub.nR.sub.4 or (CH.sub.2CH.sub.2OCH(CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2O).sub.yR.sub.4, m, n and y being an integer independently comprised between 7 and 100, R.sub.4 is hydrogen, methyl, R.sub.5 is hydrogen, methyl or CH.sub.2COOH, and R.sub.6 is OH, OCH.sub.2OH, OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2OH, OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2OH, OCH.sub.2CH(CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2OH, OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2OH, NHR.sub.7, a group bearing a phosphate function, a group bearing phosphonate function or a group bearing sulfonate function, R.sub.7 being a saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched chain comprising from 2 to 12 carbon atoms and one or more heteroatoms, wherein the wetting agent and/or the surfactant (C2), decreases the surface tension of water below 68 mN.Math.m.sup.1 and wherein the wetting agent is selected from glycol compounds and having a molecular weight comprised between 60 g.Math.mol.sup.1 and 130 g.Math.mol.sup.1, and wherein the surfactant have a molecular weight comprised between 131 g.Math.mol.sup.1 and 300 g.Math.mol.sup.1, and wherein a water to binder system (B.) weight ratio is comprised between 0.2 and 0.4.

19. A hardened concrete composition obtained from the wet concrete composition according to claim 18.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0142] FIG. 1 is a graphic showing the power needed for mixing mortar concrete equivalent composition.

[0143] FIG. 2 is a zoom of a part of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The Process for Preparing a Wet Concrete Composition

[0144] According to the invention, the binder system (B.) may be prepared before the mixing step or in situ during the mixing step, from at least some of the different components of the binder system; said components being taken separately and/or under the form of premix(es),

[0145] In other words, wet concrete composition could be prepared by two distinct methods.

[0146] In a first method, the binder system is prepared, and then mixed with the at least one aggregate. The obtained dry concrete composition is thereafter mixed with water.

[0147] In a second method, the wet concrete composition is prepared by mixing in water each component of the binder system and the aggregates.

[0148] According to the present disclosure, the term mixing has to be understood as any form of mixing.

[0149] In a preferred embodiment a part of the binder composition and at least a part of the water are mixed together prior to the mixing with the aggregate.

[0150] The step of mixing with water is carried out with a weight ratio water to binder composition (B.) comprised between 0.2 and 0.4, preferably between 0.25 and 0.35.

The Aggregate (A)

[0151] Aggregates comprise a large category of particulate material used in construction, including sands, gravels, crushed stones, slag (not-granulated), recycled concrete and geosynthetic aggregates. They serve as reinforcement to add strength to the overall composite material.

The Binder System

[0152] The binder system (B.) according to the invention comprises: [0153] (B1) between 1% and 34% in dry weight of at least one lime source; [0154] (B2) between 5% and 75% in dry weight of ground granulated blast furnace slag; [0155] (B3) between 21% and 90% in dry weight of at least one filler; [0156] (B4) between 0.1% and 5% in dry weight, relative to the total weight of components B1, B2 and B3, of SO.sub.3;

The Component B1

[0157] The binder system according to the invention comprises between 1% and 34% in dry weight of a component B1, which is a lime source, preferably, between 3% and 25%, more preferably between 5% and 20%.

[0158] Preferably, the lime source is Portland cement or lime, such as hydraulic lime, calcium hydroxide, slaked lime, quick lime and lime slurry.

[0159] In case the lime source is Portland cement it is advantageous that at least a portion of the same is ultrafine cement having a d.sub.50 lower than or equal to 8 m, preferably lower than or equal to 3.5 m. This embodiment is advantageous since it allows obtaining increased compressive strength compared to the other embodiment.

The Component B2

[0160] The binder system according to the invention comprises between 5% and 75% in dry weight of a component B2, which ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) preferably, between 10% and 65%, more preferably between 15% and 50% and even more preferably between 20% and 40%.

[0161] According to the invention, the ground granulated blast furnace slag is a particle mixture of particles having a d.sub.50 greater than or equal to 5 m and preferably less than 15 m. and optionally a portion of the ground granulated blast furnace slag is ultrafine, i.e. made of particles having a d.sub.50 greater than or equal to 1 m and strictly less than 5 m.

The Component B3

[0162] The binder system according to the invention comprises between 21% and 90% in dry weight of a component B3, which is a filler being a particles mixture of particles having a d.sub.50 greater than or equal to 0.05 m and strictly less than 8 m, and optionally a portion of particles having a d.sub.50 greater than or equal to 8 m and strictly less than 200 m, preferably, between 30% and 80%, more preferably between 40% and 70%, even more preferably between 50% and 60%.

[0163] Preferably, the filler is a limestone filler, more preferably, the filler is a natural material sourcing from stone-pit, such as calcite and its polymorphs, like aragonite or vaterite, and dolomite or precipitated calcium carbonates and mixtures thereof.

[0164] This filler partition, in combination with the GGBS partition, allows obtaining a technical effect of reducing the viscosity and increasing the compressive strength of the binder composition and of the concrete or industrial mortars according to the invention.

The Component B4

[0165] According to the invention, the binder composition further comprises between 0.1% and 5% in dry weight, relative to the total weight of components (B1), (B2) and (B3) of SO.sub.3.sup..

[0166] The content of the SO.sub.3.sup. is determined in respect with the distribution of 30 components (B1), (B2) and (B3). In other words, the dry weight percentage of the SO.sub.3.sup. is determined by considering that the sum of contents of components (B1), (B2) and (B3) represents 100% in dry weight.

[0167] Preferably, the SO.sub.3.sup. is from sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate, calcium sulfate, anhydride sulfate, recycling gypse or mixture thereof.

The Admixture Formulation

[0168] In the sense of the invention, rheology enhancing admixture means a single compound or a mixture of compounds which is used for controlling mixability, rheology and/or open time of a wet concrete composition or a wet mortar composition including at least a binder composition, aggregates and water.

[0169] The content of the rheology enhancing admixture is determined in respect with the distribution of components a, b and c. In other words, the dry weight percentage of the rheology enhancing admixture is determined by considering that the sum of contents of components a, b and c represents 100% in dry weight.

[0170] According to the invention, the water reducing polymer (C1) is a copolymer comprising the following monomeric units:

##STR00008## [0171] wherein: represents a bonding site of a monomeric unit [0172] the quantity of monomeric units UA is between 0 and 40 mol %, [0173] the quantity of monomeric units UB is between 25 and 95 mol %, [0174] the quantity of monomeric units UC is between 5 and 50 mol %, [0175] the quantity of monomeric units UD is between 0 and 25 mol %, [0176] R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are independently hydrogen or methyl, [0177] Z.sub.1 is a bond, a methyl or an ethyl, [0178] Z.sub.2 is a bond, CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O, CH.sub.2CH.sub.2OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2O or CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O [0179] R.sub.3 is (CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.mR.sub.4, (CH(CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2O).sub.nR.sub.4 or (CH.sub.2CH.sub.2OCH(CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2O).sub.yR.sub.4 [0180] m, n and y being an integer independently comprised between 7 and 100, [0181] R.sub.4 is hydrogen, methyl, [0182] R.sub.5 is hydrogen, methyl or CH.sub.2COOH, and [0183] R.sub.6 is OH, OCH.sub.2OH, OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2OH, OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2OH, OCH.sub.2CH(CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2OH, OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2OH, NHR.sub.7, a group bearing a phosphate function, a group bearing phosphonate function or a group bearing sulfonate function, [0184] R.sub.7 being a saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched chain comprising from 2 to 12 carbon atoms and eventually one or more heteroatoms, preferably O, N or S.

[0185] In an embodiment, the sum of the quantity of monomeric units UA, the quantity of monomeric units UB, the quantity of monomeric units UC, the quantity of monomeric units UD is equal to 100 mol %.

[0186] In another embodiment, the water reducing polymer (C1) comprise at least another monomeric units in a quantity of up to 20 mol %. Preferably, the at least another monomeric units results from the polymerization of any unsaturated monomer which can be copolymerized with any of the monomers contained in the PCE with the proviso that the resulting polymer cannot be one of the Tempo range of ViscoCrete superplasticizer, manufactured by Sika.

[0187] Preferably, the quantity of monomeric units UA is between 5 and 35 mol %, more preferably between 10 and 30 mol % and even more preferably between 15 and 25 mol %.

[0188] Preferably, the quantity of monomeric units UB is between 25 and 95 mol %, more preferably between 35 and 80 mol % and even more preferably between 45 and 65 mol %.

[0189] Preferably, the quantity of monomeric units UC is between 5 and 50 mol %, more preferably between 15 and 40 mol % and even more preferably between 20 and 30 mol %.

[0190] Preferably, the quantity of monomeric units UD is between 0 and 25 mol %, more preferably between 5 and 20 mol % and even more preferably between 10 and 15 mol %.

[0191] In embodiments wherein the water reducing polymer (C1) comprises phosphate functions, at least a part of the unities derived from a carboxylic acid monomer are substituted with a phosphate.

[0192] In embodiments wherein the water reducing polymer (C1) comprises phosphonate functions, at least a part of the unities derived from a carboxylic acid monomer are substituted with a phosphonate.

[0193] Preferably, the water reducing polymer (C1) is anionic, cationic or zwitterionic.

[0194] Preferably, the water reducing polymer has a molecular weight by weight comprised between 5 000 g.Math.mol.sup.1 and 300000 g.Math.mol.sup.1.

[0195] In an embodiment the water reducing polymer (C1) is a HPEG. HPEG are copolymers derived from (meth)acrylic acid, itaconic acid monomers and from -hydroxy--methallyl poly(ethylene glycol) macromonomers or -methoxy--methallyl poly(ethylene glycol).

[0196] In this embodiment, the water reducing polymer (C1) is a copolymer comprising the following monomeric units:

##STR00009## [0197] wherein: represents a bonding site of a monomeric unit [0198] the quantity of monomeric units UB is between 25 and 95 mol %, [0199] the quantity of monomeric units UC is between 5 and 50 mol %, [0200] the quantity of monomeric units UD is between 0 and 25 mol %, [0201] R.sub.1 is hydrogen or methyl, [0202] R.sub.2 is hydrogen [0203] Z.sub.1 is a methyl, [0204] Z.sub.2 is a bond, [0205] R.sub.3 is (CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.mR.sub.4, (CH(CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2O).sub.nR.sub.4 or (CH.sub.2CH.sub.2OCH(CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2O).sub.yR.sub.4 [0206] m, n and y being an integer independently comprised between 7 and 100, [0207] R.sub.4 is hydrogen or methyl, [0208] R.sub.5 is hydrogen, methyl or CH.sub.2COOH, and [0209] R.sub.6 is OH, OCH.sub.2OH, OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2OH, OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2OH, OCH.sub.2CH(CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2OH, OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2OH, NHR.sub.7, a group bearing a phosphate function, a group bearing phosphonate function or a group bearing sulfonate function, [0210] R.sub.7 being a saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched chain comprising from 2 to 12 carbon atoms and eventually one or more heteroatoms, preferably O, N or S.

[0211] In this embodiment, preferably, the quantity of monomeric units UB is between 25 and 95 mol %, more preferably between 35 and 80 mol % and even more preferably between 45 and 65 mol %, the quantity of monomeric units UC is between 5 and 50 mol %, more preferably between 15 and 40 mol % and even more preferably between 20 and 30 mol % and, the quantity of monomeric units UD is between 1 and 25 mol %, more preferably between 5 and 20 mol % and even more preferably between 10 and 15 mol %.

[0212] In another embodiment, the water reducing polymer (C1) is an APEG. APEG are block copolymer of A-B-A-B type, wherein A unities are derived from maleic acid monomers and B unities are derived from -hydroxy--allyl poly(ethylene glycol) macromonomers.

[0213] In this embodiment, the water reducing polymer (C1) is a copolymer comprising the following monomeric units:

##STR00010## [0214] wherein: represents a bonding site of a monomeric unit [0215] the quantity of monomeric units UA is between 0 and 40 mol %, [0216] the quantity of monomeric units UB is between 25 and 95 mol %, [0217] the quantity of monomeric units UC is between 5 and 50 mol %, [0218] the quantity of monomeric units UD is between 0 and 25 mol %, [0219] R.sub.1 is hydrogen or methyl, [0220] R.sub.2 is hydrogen [0221] Z.sub.1 is a methyl, [0222] Z.sub.2 is a bond, [0223] R.sub.3 is (CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.mR.sub.4, (CH(CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2O).sub.nR.sub.4 or (CH.sub.2CH.sub.2OCH(CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2O).sub.yR.sub.4 [0224] m, n and y being an integer independently comprised between 7 and 100, [0225] R.sub.4 is hydrogen, methyl, [0226] R.sub.5 is hydrogen, methyl or CH.sub.2COOH, and [0227] R.sub.6 is OH, OCH.sub.2OH, OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2OH, OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2OH, OCH.sub.2CH(CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2OH, OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2OH, NHR.sub.7, a group bearing a phosphate function, a group bearing phosphonate function or a group bearing sulfonate function, [0228] R.sub.7 being a saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched chain comprising from 2 to 12 carbon atoms and eventually one or more heteroatoms, preferably O, N or S.

[0229] In this embodiment, preferably, the quantity of monomeric units UA is between 5 and 35 mol %, more preferably between 10 and 30 mol % and even more preferably between 15 and 25 mol %, preferably, the quantity of monomeric units UB is between 25 and 95 mol %, more preferably between 35 and 80 mol % and even more preferably between 45 and 65 mol %, the quantity of monomeric units UC is between 5 and 50 mol %, more preferably between 15 and 40 mol % and even more preferably between 20 and 30 mol % and, the quantity of monomeric units UD is between 1 and 25 mol %, more preferably between 5 and 20 mol % and even more preferably between 10 and 15 mol %.

[0230] In another embodiment, the water reducing polymer (C1) is a VPEG. VPEG are vinyl ether-based PCEs.

[0231] In this embodiment, the water reducing polymer (C1) is a copolymer comprising the following monomeric units:

##STR00011## [0232] wherein: represents a bonding site of a monomeric unit [0233] the quantity of monomeric units UB is between 25 and 95 mol %, [0234] the quantity of monomeric units UC is between 5 and 50 mol %, [0235] the quantity of monomeric units UD is between 0 and 25 mol %, [0236] R.sub.1 is hydrogen or methyl, [0237] R.sub.2 is hydrogen [0238] Z.sub.1 is a bond, [0239] Z.sub.2 is a bond, CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O, CH.sub.2CH.sub.2OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2O or CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O [0240] R.sub.3 is (CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.mR.sub.4, (CH(CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2O).sub.nR.sub.4 or (CH.sub.2CH.sub.2OCH(CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2O).sub.yR.sub.4 [0241] m, n and y being an integer independently comprised between 7 and 100, [0242] R.sub.4 is hydrogen, methyl, [0243] R.sub.5 is hydrogen, methyl or CH.sub.2COOH, and [0244] R.sub.6 is OH, OCH.sub.2OH, OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2OH, OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2OH, OCH.sub.2CH(CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2OH, OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2OH, NHR.sub.7, a group bearing a phosphate function, a group bearing phosphonate function or a group bearing sulfonate function, [0245] R.sub.7 being a saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched chain comprising from 2 to 12 carbon atoms and eventually one or more heteroatoms, preferably O, N or S.

[0246] In this embodiment, preferably, the quantity of monomeric units UB is between 25 and 95 mol %, more preferably between 35 and 80 mol % and even more preferably between 45 and 65 mol %, the quantity of monomeric units UC is between 5 and 50 mol %, more preferably between 15 and 40 mol % and even more preferably between 20 and 30 mol % and, the quantity of monomeric units UD is between 1 and 25 mol %, more preferably between 5 and 20 mol % and even more preferably between 10 and 15 mol %.

[0247] In another embodiment, the water reducing polymer (C1) is an IPEG. IPEG are copolymers derived from acrylic acid monomers and from isoprenol poly(ethylene glycol) macromonomers.

[0248] In this embodiment, the water reducing polymer (C1) is a copolymer comprising the following monomeric units:

##STR00012## [0249] wherein: represents a bonding site of a monomeric unit [0250] the quantity of monomeric units UB is between 25 and 95 mol %, [0251] the quantity of monomeric units UC is between 5 and 50 mol %, [0252] the quantity of monomeric units UD is between 0 and 25 mol %, [0253] R.sub.1 is hydrogen or methyl, [0254] R.sub.2 is hydrogen [0255] Z.sub.1 is an ethyl, [0256] Z.sub.2 is a bond, [0257] R.sub.3 is (CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.mR.sub.4, (CH(CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2O).sub.nR.sub.4 or (CH.sub.2CH.sub.2OCH(CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2O).sub.yR.sub.4 [0258] m, n and y being an integer independently comprised between 7 and 100, [0259] R.sub.4 is hydrogen or methyl, [0260] R.sub.5 is hydrogen, methyl or CH.sub.2COOH, and [0261] R.sub.6 is OH, OCH.sub.2OH, OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2OH, OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2OH, OCH.sub.2CH(CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2OH, OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2OH, NHR.sub.7, a group bearing a phosphate function, a group bearing phosphonate function or a group bearing sulfonate function, [0262] R.sub.7 being a saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched chain comprising from 2 to 12 carbon atoms and eventually one or more heteroatoms, preferably O, N or S.

[0263] In this embodiment, preferably, the quantity of monomeric units UB is between 25 and 95 mol %, more preferably between 35 and 80 mol % and even more preferably between 45 and 65 mol %, the quantity of monomeric units UC is between 5 and 50 mol %, more preferably between 15 and 40 mol % and even more preferably between 20 and 30 mol % and, the quantity of monomeric units UD is between 1 and 25 mol %, more preferably between 5 and 20 mol % and even more preferably between 10 and 15 mol %.

[0264] According to the invention, the rheology enhancing admixture optionally comprises a wetting agent and/or a surfactant, the wetting agent as well as the surfactant decreases the surface tension of water below 68 mN.Math.m.sup.1 and wherein the wetting agent is selected in the group comprising, preferably consisting of, glycol compounds having a molecular weight comprised between 60 g.Math.mol.sup.1 and 130 g.Math.mol.sup.1, and wherein the surfactant have a molecular weight comprised between 131 g.Math.mol.sup.1 and 300 g.Math.mol.sup.1.

[0265] The wetting agent and the surfactant may be cationic, anionic or non-ionic, preferably non-ionic. Is considered non-ionic, a species that presents an overall neutral electrical charge, i.e. having the same number of positive charge(s) and negative charge(s), or the total absence of any positive or negative electrical charge.

[0266] The decrease of the surface tension is measured by the following method: [0267] preparing a solution S1 of the wetting agent or the surfactant at a concentration of 0.5 g.Math.L.sup.1 in a milliQ water [0268] measuring the surface tension of the solution S1 with a Du Nouy ring method, [0269] measuring the surface tension of the milliQ water with the same Du Nouy ring method at the same temperature and pressure. [0270] Calculating the percentage of variation of the surface tension between the miliQ water and the solution S1.

[0271] In preferred embodiment, the wetting agent is selected in the group comprises, preferably consisting of, 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol (MPD), diethylene glycol (DEG), neopentyl glycol (NPG) and mixtures therefore.

[0272] In preferred embodiment, the surfactant may be 2,4,7,9-ttramthyldec-5-yne-4,7diol.

Optional Other Components

[0273] The binder composition is advantageously enriched with one or several other components which are ingredients, notably functional additives preferably selected in the following list: [0274] Water retention agent.

[0275] A water retention agent has the property to keep the water of mixing before the setting. The water is so trapped in the wet formulation paste which improves its bond. To some extent, the water is less absorbed by the support.

[0276] The water retentive agent is preferably chosen in the group comprising: modified celluloses, modified guars, modified cellulose ethers and/or guar ether and their mixes, more preferably consisting of: methylcelluloses, methylhydroxypropylcelluloses, methylhydroxyethyl-celluloses and their mixes. [0277] Rheological agent

[0278] The possible rheological agent (also named a thickener) is preferably chosen in the group comprising, more preferably consisting of: starch ethers, cellulose ethers and/or gums (e.g. Welan guar xanthane, succinoglycans), modified polysaccharidespreferably among modified starch ethers-, polyvinylic alcohols, polyacrylamides, sepiolites, and their mixes. [0279] Defoamer/Antifoams

[0280] The possible defoamer is preferably chosen in the group comprising, more preferably consisting of: polyether polyols and mixes thereof. [0281] Biocide

[0282] The possible biocide is preferably chosen in the group comprising, more preferably consisting of: mineral oxides like zinc oxide and mixes thereof. [0283] Pigment

[0284] The possible pigment is preferably chosen in the group comprising, more preferably consisting of: TiO.sub.2, iron oxide and mixes thereof. [0285] Flame retardant

[0286] Flame retardant (or flame proof agent) makes it possible to increase the fire resistance and/or to shrink the speed of flame spreading of the composition. [0287] Air-entraining agents

[0288] Air-entraining agents (surfactants) are advantageously chosen in the group comprising, more preferably consisting of, natural resins, sulfated or sulfonated compounds, synthetic detergents, organic fatty acids and their mixes, preferably in the group comprising, more preferably consisting in the lignosulfonates, the basic soaps of fatty acids and their mixes, and, more preferably in the group comprising, more preferably consisting of, the sulfonate olefins, the sodium lauryl sulfate and their mixes. [0289] Retarders

[0290] Retarders are advantageously chosen in the group comprising, more preferably consisting of, tartric acid and its salts: sodium or potassium salts, citric acid and its salts: sodium (trisodic citrate) and their mixes.

[0291] In addition, other components may be: [0292] Plasticizers [0293] Fibres [0294] Dispersion powders [0295] Polymeric resins [0296] Complexing agents [0297] Drying shrinkage reducing agents based on polyols.

[0298] The total content of these optional other components in the dry concrete composition or dry industrial mortar composition is preferably comprised between 0.1% and 10% by weight of the total weight of the dry concrete composition or dry industrial mortar composition.

Examples

Preparation of Concrete Compositions and Trial on Concrete Compositions

[0299] Concrete compositions were prepared by the following procedure: firstly the aggregates and binder were mixed for 1 minute. The admixture system is added in water and the total amount of water+admixture system is added during mixing. The concrete is mixed for an addition of two minutes.

[0300] CEM mortar composition (Mortar concrete equivalent) were prepared following the Method of the concrete equivalent mortar (CEM)A new tool to design concrete containing admixtureA. Schwartzentruber and C. Catherine [1999] Materials and Structures, Vol. 33, October 2000.

[0301] The time flows of wet concrete composition have been measured according to experimental standard XP P18-469Cone outflow time published by AFNOR on January 2019. Time flow was monitored for up to 1 h30 by doing a trial every 30 minutes. Before each new trial, concrete was mixed for 30 seconds.

[0302] The time flows of CEM have also been measured according to experimental standard XP P18-469Cone outflow time published by AFNOR on January 2019, except that the cone has an input opening of a diameter of 15.0 cm, an output opening of a diameter of 3.9 cm, and a height of 12.0 cm.

[0303] Slump tests were realized with an Abrams cone according to standard NF EN 12350-2. Slump was monitored for up to 1 h30 by doing a trial every 30 minutes. Before each new trial, concrete was mixed for 30 seconds.

[0304] The CEM mortar spreads have been measured by a MBE cone according to the Method of the concrete equivalent mortar (CEM)A new tool to design concrete containing admixtureA. Schwartzentruber and C. Catherine [1999] Materials and Structures, Vol. 33, October 2000.

[0305] Water reducing polymer used in the examples are HPEG RB1050 and HPEG PC1901 manufactured by Marla, Chryso Fluid Optima 100 manufactured by Saint Gobain and Viscocrete3 tempo 10 manufactured by Sika.

Example 1: Influence of the Water Reducing Polymer

[0306] Three concrete compositions were prepared according to table 1 below.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 E1 E2 CE1 Component A Sand (0-4 mm) (kg/m.sup.3) 920 920 920 Limestone aggregate (4-10 mm) 430 430 430 (kg/m.sup.3) Limestone aggregate (10-20 mm) 595 595 595 (kg/m.sup.3) Component B Component B1 Portland cement 20 20 20 350 kg/m.sup.3 (dry weight %) Component B2 Standard GGBS 16.6 16.6 16.6 (dry weight %) (d.sub.50 = 10 m) Fine GGBS 13.4 13.4 13.4 (d.sub.50 < 5 m) Component B3 Ultrafine 50 50 50 (dry weight %) limestone filler (d.sub.50 < 3 m) Component B4 Anhydrite 2 2 2 (dry weight % relative to the total weight of components B1, B2 and B3) Component C Component C1 HPEG Marla 0.62% (weight % RB1050/PC1901 compared to Optima 100 1.12 the total Viscocrete 0.59 weight of tempo 10 component B) Water Water to component B weight ratio 0.34 0.34 0.34

[0307] The time flow and the slump after 0 minute after the mixing, after 30 after 0 minutes after the mixing after 60 minutes after the mixing, and after 90 minutes after the mixing are set forth in table 2 below.

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 E1 E2 CE1 Time flow (s) 0 minute 8.3 3.7 10.2 30 minutes 6.7 3 UD* 60 minutes 9 3 UD* 90 minutes 9 4 UD* Slump (mm) 0 minute 225 190 120 30 minutes 230 190 5 60 minutes 230 180 UD* 90 minutes 230 200 UD* UD*: UnDeterminable

[0308] As can be seen from table 2, the use of HPEG or Optima 100 allows to maintain the time flow and the slump of the concrete, while the use of Viscocrete Tempo 10 leads to a concrete that stiffens before 30 minutes. This shows that the use of HPEG or Optima increases the open time and rheology.

Example 2: Effect of the Wetting Agent, on CEMs

[0309] Five CEM was prepared according to table 3 below.

TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 MBE1 MBE2 MBE3 MBE4 MBE5 Component A Sand (0-4 mm) g 1392.3 1392.3 1392.3 1392.3 1392.3 Component B Component Portland cement 20 20 20 20 20 470 g B1 (dry weight %) Component Standard GGBS 16.6 16.6 16.6 16.6 16.6 B2 (dry (d.sub.50 = 10 m) weight %) Fine GGBS 13.4 13.4 13.4 13.4 13.4 (d.sub.50 < 5 m) Component Ultrafine 50 50 50 50 50 B3 (dry limestone filler weight %) (d.sub.50 < 3 m) Component Anhydrite 2 2 2 2 2 B4 (dry weight %) Component C Component HPEG system 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 (weight % C1 RB1050/PC1901 compared to the total Component 2-methyl-2,4- 0.69 weight of C2 pentanediol component B) diethylene glycol 0.69 neopentyl glycol 0.69 2,4,7,9- 0.69 ttramthyldec- 5-yne-4,7diol Water Water to component B 0.27 0.27 0.27 0.27 0.27 weight ratio

[0310] These MBE have been mixed during 90 seconds after the introduction of water, then the mixing was stopped for performing the time flow and spread tests, then the mixing was restarted. The energy needed for mixing of each sample have been measured as shown in FIG. 1. As can be seen from FIG. 1, the energy needed for mixing the MBEs after around 50 s is lower for the MBEs (MBE2, MBE3, MBE4 and MBE5) including a wetting agent or a surfactant (component C2).

[0311] After the 90 seconds of mixing, the spread one the flow time of each MBE have been measured. The results are set forth in table 4 below.

TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 MBE1 MBE2 MBE3 MBE4 MBE5 Spread (cm) 31 36.5 34 34.5 36 At 90 s TimeFlow (s) 25 19 18.5 18.5 16 At 90 s

[0312] The addition of a wetting agent or a surfactant allows to decrease the time of mixing necessary to obtain acceptable rheological and viscosity properties. This means that the addition of a wetting agent or a surfactant allows to improve the mixability and therefore obtain a lower viscosity in low water systems and short mixing time.

Example 3: Effect of the Wetting Agent on Concrete Compositions

[0313] An additional concrete composition was prepared according to table 5 below

TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 E1 E3 Component A Sand (0-4 mm) (kg/m.sup.3) 920 920 Limestone aggregate (4-10 mm) (kg/m.sup.3) 430 430 Limestone aggregate (10-20 mm) (kg/m.sup.3) 595 595 Component B Component B1 Portland cement 20 20 350 kg/m.sup.3 (dry weight %) Component B2 Standard GGBS 16.6 16.6 (dry weight %) (d.sub.50 = 10 m) Fine GGBS 13.4 13.4 (d.sub.50 < 5 m) Component B3 Ultrafine 50 50 (dry weight %) limestone filler (d.sub.50 < 3 m) Component B4 Anhydrite 2 2 (dry weight %) Component C Component C1 HPEG Marla 0.62% 0.62% (weight % RB1050/PC1901 compared to the total weight of component B) Component C2 MPD 0.42 Water Water to component B weight ratio 0.34 0.34

[0314] Immediately after mixing, the spread one the flow time of each wet concrete have been measured. The results are set forth in table 6 below.

TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 E1 E3 Time flow (s) 0 minute 8.3 6 Slump (mm) 0 minute 225 230

[0315] The addition of a wetting agent allows to decrease the time of mixing necessary to obtain acceptable rheological and viscosity properties. This means that the addition of a wetting agent allows to improve the mixability and therefore obtain a lower viscosity in low water systems and short mixing time.