Innovative solution to concrete cracking

For concrete applications with an elevated risk of cracking – such as floors, screed and precast panels with large surface-tovolume ratios – Chryso Serenis brings peace of mind.

Contractors and manufacturers alike need to be confident that they can prevent their concrete structure from cracking or curling, to ensure the success of their applications. Cracks can weaken concrete, compromise its durability and allow ingress of corrosive elements like water, chlorides and ice. They can also ruin the appearance of concrete.

These outcomes are the result of shrinkage, which happens at all ages in the life of concrete; a length of concrete cast can shrink by as much as 0,08%. While concrete has excellent plasticity when it is fresh and high mechanical strength has set, it can only withstand minor deformation. When shrinkage comes up against a mechanical constraint, the concrete may crack.

As a ready-to-use, shrinkage-reducing admixture for concrete and mortars, Chryso Serenis can reduce shrinkage by up to 80%, depending on the conditions and concrete mix design. This makes it ideal for all applications requiring minimal shrinkage, including injection grouting, high- and ultra-high performance concrete and special structures.

The phenomenon of curling or bending in fine concrete parts or elements can also be addressed by Chryso Serenis. As evaporation takes place mainly from the surface of concrete, there is always more shrinkage there. As the concrete shrinks, the edges rise.

The severity of this action depends on the surface-to-volume ratio, but even the slightest curling can endanger an element’s integrity, leading to breakage during transport, unloading or even under its own weight. By reducing the amount of shrinkage, Chryso Serenis is able to minimise the risk of curling.

It can also allow users to increase the distance between shrinkage joints. Industrial floors made from concrete, for instance, are normally divided into areas of 5m x 5m, bordered by shrinkage joints sawn into the surface of the concrete. More distance between shrinkage joints means time saved on laying floors, reduced maintenance costs and improved overall appearance.

Chryso Serenis works by reducing the capillary tensions, thus impacting the most important mechanism at the origin of shrinkage. It does not have a spreading effect and does not modify the water demand of concrete, nor impact the water-to-cement ratio. It is compatible with new-generation and traditional superplasticisers.

(Top): Beat concrete cracking with Chryso Serenis.

(Above ): Chryso Serenis is a ready-to-use shrinkagereducing admixture for concrete and mortars.

(Below ): Chryso Serenis brings peace of mind for precast panels.