Air Entraining Agents (AEA) introduce a controlled volume of microscopic, uniformly distributed air bubbles into concrete during mixing, improving workability, reducing bleeding and segregation, and providing freeze-thaw resistance. In the GCC, AEA is used in concrete exposed to aggressive environments — coastal structures, marine exposure, underground car parks with de-icing salts, and precast elements where improved cohesion is required — and is a standard admixture in concrete mix designs across UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain.
Quick Specifications
Dubai HQ: P.O. Box 29096, UAE
Riyadh: 2804 Nesaab Street, KSA
| PARAMETER | SPECIFICATION | TEST METHOD |
|---|---|---|
| Types Available | Vinsol resin, saponified tall oil, alkyl sulphate, synthetic | |
| Appearance | Brown to amber liquid (solution) | Visual |
| Active Content | 10 – 30% (solution type) | |
| Air Entrainment | 3 – 8% air by volume (dosage dependent) | ASTM C231 |
| pH | 9.0 – 12.0 | |
| Stability | Stable in cement paste pH environment (12–13) | |
| Typical Dosage | 0.005 – 0.050% by weight of cement | |
| Compliance | ASTM C260 / BS EN 934-2 | |
| Packing | 25 Kgs / 200 Kgs drums / IBC |
Marine & Coastal Concrete GCC
AEA is specified in BS 8500 and ACI 318 exposure class XS (marine) and XD (de-icing salts) — relevant to GCC coastal structures in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Doha, Kuwait City, Muscat, and Manama where chloride-induced corrosion is the primary concrete durability threat.
Precast Concrete — Improved Cohesion
In precast operations across GCC — blocks, paving, kerbs, pipes, and structural elements — AEA improves mix cohesion and reduces bleeding, producing more consistent element quality and improved surface finish.
Underground Parking Structures
GCC underground car parks exposed to de-icing chemicals (used on airport aprons and marine terminals) require air-entrained concrete meeting ASTM C260 for adequate durability.
Concrete Masonry Units (CMU) & Blocks
AEA is used in concrete block production to improve mix workability at zero-slump conditions and enhance the surface quality of masonry blocks produced across GCC block factories.
Pump-Applied Concrete & Shotcrete
Improves pump-ability and reduces pressure loss in concrete pumped on GCC high-rise construction sites — particularly beneficial in vertical pumping applications exceeding 200m on GCC super-tall towers.
Dosage: 0.005–0.05% by weight of cement — highly dependent on cement type, aggregate type, mixing time, and target air content. Always measure fresh air content (ASTM C231 pressure meter or ASTM C173 volumetric method) and adjust dosage to achieve 4–6% air content for aggressive exposure classes. In GCC ready-mix: AEA is highly sensitive to cement alkali content — calibrate dosage with your specific cement source from Saudi Arabia, UAE, or import cements. Temperature increase reduces air entrainment efficiency — higher dosages required in summer. Contact Raykem for AEA trial mix support.
Store in sealed containers at 5–40°C. Do not freeze. Shelf life: 12 months.
Full Certificate of Analysis (COA), Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS), and Technical Data Sheet (TDS) supplied with every shipment from Dubai or Riyadh.
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