McGee required a high-performance concrete solution for their external slab at a heavy plant storage yard, where it would be subjected to constant heavy loads and traffic. Given the demands of the site, the concrete needed exceptional abrasion resistance to withstand years of wear and tear from heavy machinery.
The Challenge
According to the Civil Engineer’s Handbook, “Cement paste does not have good resistance to abrasion.” Traditional concrete surfaces can wear down quickly in high-traffic areas, leading to frequent repairs, increased maintenance costs, and reduced operational efficiency. McGee required a durable, cost-effective, and sustainable solution to ensure the long-term performance of their storage yard.
Solution
To meet McGee’s durability requirements, Hard-Cem was incorporated into the mix design at a dosage of three bags per cubic metre. As a concrete hardener that enhances abrasion and erosion resistance, Hard-Cem was the ideal solution for the heavy-duty environment of the plant storage yard.
Key Benefits of Hard-Cem
1. High Performance
Extends the lifespan of concrete, significantly reducing wear and tear in high-traffic areas.
Provides superior abrasion and erosion resistance, ensuring long-term durability.
2. Low Risk
Proven performance, backed by a 20-year warranty.
No impact on concrete water demand, workability, strength development, or shrinkage.
Compatible with other concrete admixtures, supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), and mix designs.
3. Safe
Eliminates exposure to toxic chemicals, such as silica dust from dry shake hardeners.
Enhances site safety by being mixed at the batching plant, reducing on-site handling.
4. Cost-Effective
Removes the need for additional floor treatments or special finishing, lowering overall project costs.
Prevents delamination issues commonly associated with traditional dry shake or liquid densifiers.
5. Versatile
Suitable for cast-in-place, precast, and shotcrete applications.
Effective in horizontal, vertical, and inclined placements.
6. Sustainable
Reduces carbon footprint by eliminating unnecessary cement consumption.
Minimises maintenance, repair, and replacement cycles, lowering long-term environmental impact.
Extends concrete service life, delaying demolition and associated carbon emissions.
Client Testimonial
“Right away, when we started pouring this concrete, we could see the difference that Hard-Cem was making. It was easy to work with and place, and now that it has cured and has been exposed to some use, you can see that the concrete is more durable than a regular mix. We have driven heavy machinery over this slab, and it still looks like it did the day it was poured!” – Billy Powell, Construction Manager | McGee
Conclusion
For durable concrete in high-impact environments, Hard-Cem provides the ideal solution. By eliminating the risks associated with surface-applied hardeners and offering deep, integral protection, Hard-Cem ensures long-term durability, cost efficiency, and sustainability.