Concrete Acceleration

Although there are many types of concrete admixtures for cold weather protection, calcium chloride remains the accelerator most preferred.  The reason is that calcium chloride has the ability to accelerate cement hydration, and thereby reduce its set time by as much as two-thirds.  Research shows that a 2% addition of calcium chloride has an equivalent cure strength at 50 degrees Fahrenheit as plain concrete has at 70 degrees Fahrenheit.  Additionally, calcium chloride used as a concrete admixture, accelerates cement hydration, provides fast early strength, reduces final set time, reduces water requirements, reduces bleeding and improves workability.