Let's Talk About: The Cement Shortage

As current events around the globe continue to cause a materials shortage across the construction industry, Fritz-Pak is here to help concrete contractors, pumpers, and ready-mixed operators find the solutions you need to keep the mud flowing. Our admixtures can lower the cement requirements for high-strength mixes and replace fly ash in concrete pumping projects.?

Cement Shortages & Superplasticizers

Superplasticizers improve the flowability of concrete without extra water. When cement mixes with water, it creates a molecular force that attracts cement particles to one another. Adding a superplasticizer counteracts this force and keeps the mix loose by preventing water molecules from getting caught in clumps of cement molecules. Not only does this reduce the amount of water needed to meet a specific slump, but it also disperses the cement molecules more evenly through the mix and reduces the need for additional cement to maintain the right amount of strength.

Fly Ash Shortages & Pumping Aids

Job specifications calling for harsh concrete mixes with large, coarse aggregates are a concrete pumper’s worse nightmare. Without something to lubricate the concrete and keep it flowing through the boom, these mixes have a high chance of causing a “boom party.” Typically, fly ash is added to these mixes as the lubricant. Fly ash is a fine cementitious material that fills in the voids between the aggregates and acts as ball bearings to keep the concrete flowing through the pump.?

Unfortunately, fly ash is becoming more and more challenging to have on hand, meaning concrete pumpers are searching for alternative materials. That’s where Fritz-Pak’s Slick-Pak II can come in handy. This high viscosity pumping aid suspends the particles in the mix to keep them from bumping against one another and creating a plug. This allows the concrete to flow easily through the pump and even lowers the pressure in the line.

What is Behind the Material Shortage

There are a variety of factors impacting the cementitious material supply across the country. Lingering logistical challenges from COVID-19 protocols, labor shortages, and global supply chain challenges have all caused delays for materials in several industries, including construction and concrete. Additionally, equipment breakdowns and employment negotiations have recently slowed down some of the country’s largest cement manufacturers.

Fritz-Pak Is Here to Help

Regardless of how the cement shortage has impacted your business, Fritz-Pak Corporation is here to support you with the same high-quality products we’ve always made. For more information about our line of pumping aids and primers or have questions regarding our Superplasticizers, visit us at fritzpak.com. Follow our social media pages to learn more about how our products can improve your concrete.