What is the role of admixtures in concrete?

Admixtures are materials added to concrete during mixing to modify its properties. The role of admixtures is crucial as they are specifically designed to enhance various attributes of the concrete, such as workability, which makes the mix easier to handle and place; set time, allowing for adjustments in how quickly the concrete begins to harden; and strength, ensuring that the finished product meets structural requirements.

By improving these specific properties, admixtures enable contractors to optimize performance and meet the requirements of different projects. For example, in situations where time is of the essence, a set-retarding admixture might be used to prolong the workability period, while a superplasticizer can be added to improve the flow of a low-water content mix without sacrificing strength.

While admixtures can indeed have aesthetic effects and can alter the color of concrete, their primary function in flatwork finishing is to enhance the performance characteristics of the mix to ensure it meets the demanding conditions of various applications.