Recently I had to face the need for concrete work. The cement mortar also had to be kneaded by myself. To do the job, I needed concrete as flexible as possible, and in order to get it, I was advised to add soap to the cement mixture. I became interested in this method and began to ask knowledgeable people if it was possible to do this and if there was any effect from the soap additive.
The builders reported that they did add laundry detergent and similar laundry detergents, in particular, simple soap, to make the concrete more pliable. They said that this technology allows you to eliminate air bubbles from the mixture, while increasing contact (adhesion) with the reinforcement In addition, the soap ingredients remove some of the liquids.
The bottom line (according to some builders): the strength of concrete increases significantly, as well as its service life, it itself becomes more plastic. This positive effect is explained by the fact that in the soap, according to experts, there are substances that resemble plasticizers in their properties. However, the reality turned out to be completely different.
Pitfalls when using soap as a plasticizer
As a rule, hired workers are involved in adding soap to the concrete solution, trying to make it as easy as possible for themselves to complete the task, because such an additive simplifies the pouring of concrete. By the way, adding soap to the plaster also makes it more plastic. It becomes easier to apply. It is clear that the main task of such workers is to finish work at the facility faster. The quality of work and the strength of the structure are of less concern to them.
Some cunning craftsmen even try to use a similar home-grown technology to produce paving stones and tiles. Yes, the addition of cheap soapy ingredients makes the tile capable of leaving the mold quickly during manufacture and this greatly simplifies the manufacturing process. However, such an additive negatively affects the life of the concrete and its other characteristics.
Soap or factory plasticizer
Polycarboxylates are the basis of plasticizers. The detergents used for washing and cleaning also contain similar substances that make them more effective. The effect is achieved by softening the water and blocking the settling of particles on the cleaned surface. Pre-fabricated products contain a minimum amount of chlorides, so they do not negatively affect the strength of the concrete.
The detergents used for washing contain not only polycarboxylates, but also other chemicals, in particular, chlorides and other elements in large quantities. They are involved in the deterioration of the quality of concrete. When using cheap substitutes for plasticizers when creating a concrete solution, it must be remembered that, figuratively speaking, nine out of ten ingredients included in them destroy concrete.
Result of a mixture of soap and concrete
The most harmful component for concrete is a foaming agent. In fact, it transforms durable concrete into its variety - foam concrete, which does not differ in outstanding strength characteristics. Contrary to popular belief, substitutes not only do not remove air from the concrete mixture, but, on the contrary, introduce it and distribute it throughout the volume.
The result of this action is the appearance of a porous structure, which makes concrete brittle and reduces its operational properties, such as frost resistance and moisture resistance. The service life of the material is significantly reduced.
The conclusion from the information received can be made unambiguous - there is nothing to do with soap in the concrete mixture. It is much more practical and efficient to buy a cheap plasticizer.
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