Powder Solutions Precast Admixtures
Xpress is an early strength activator for precast concrete based on CEMI and GGBS binder systems. It boosts early age strengths where at least 50% GGBS is used, improving handling and reducing breakages in semi-dry units such as blocks and bricks.
Xpress is an early strength activator for precast concrete based on CEMI and GGBS binder systems. It is ideally suited to a range of precast concrete with a low w/c ratio, where early handling is essential for mould stripping and palletisation.
CEMI is Portland cement, and GGBS (ground granulated blast furnace slag) is a by-product of iron making that is widely used as a partial replacement for Portland cement. Xpress provides more efficient activation of the reaction between CEMI and GGBS, leading to higher early age strengths.
Xpress has been developed for precast concrete where a minimum GGBS content of 50% is desired.
Using GGBS as a partial cement replacement in semi-dry, low binder content concrete can lead to handling issues after curing. The units can be too weak to handle, leading to breakages during palletisation and strapping. Xpress gives higher early age strengths, improved handling and reduced breakages, and allows higher levels of GGBS cement replacement for lower CO2 levels.
Xpress is a free flowing, granular powder. It should ideally be dosed into the mixer through a powder dosing unit for accuracy and safety.
Dose Xpress during the introduction of the sand, aggregates, OPC and GGBS, before the water is added.
For the dosage to suit your mix design and production cycle, contact our technical support team, and confirm it with trials before going into production.
Refer to the Xpress Safety Data Sheet, available on request, for full instructions.
Xpress is supplied in 1000kg polypropylene bulk bags. The bags are showerproof, but store them indoors to protect the contents from moisture, as contact with excessive moisture will result in hard lumps forming. Avoid storing at temperatures below 5°C or above 30°C.
When stored correctly, Xpress has a shelf life of 12 months from date of manufacture.
For accelerating precast and ready mixed concrete, or activating GGBS at 75% cement replacement, see UKCP Rapid Set.
Making high GGBS blocks, bricks or precast elements? Talk to our technical support team, or request a sample of Xpress.
Common questions about Xpress. For project specific advice, contact our technical team.
Powder Concrete Admixtures
UKCP Rapid Set is a highly active, rapid set, high early strength cement additive for Portland cement systems. It accelerates precast and ready mixed concrete and activates GGBS, allowing 75% cement replacement without compromising early strength development.
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Liquid Precast Admixtures
UKCP CompaktAid is a precast block compaction and processing aid for dry and semi-dry concrete. It improves compaction, density and pigment dispersion, giving better colour intensity, a better surface finish and reduced efflorescence in blocks, paving flags and block paviours.
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Liquid Precast Admixtures
UKCP CompaktAid Plus is a high performance semi-dry precast compaction and processing aid. It combines improved compaction with better cement dispersion to help improve early strengths, and offers binder reduction and reduced efflorescence in blocks, paving and roof tiles.
View productFurther reading from the UKCP team, starting with guidance on Xpress.
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