In a recent landmark hydroelectric project, our high-purity Sodium Gluconate retarder played a critical role in ensuring the successful placement of 15,000 cubic meters of mass concrete for the dam structure under challenging environmental conditions.
Project Overview
The construction of the Hydroelectric Dam presented significant technical challenges:
Massive concrete pours requiring extended setting time
High ambient temperatures averaging 38°C
Complex section placements with limited access
Critical requirement to prevent cold joints
Strict thermal control specifications
Technical Challenges
The project team faced multiple concrete placement issues:
Initial setting time insufficient for large-scale operations
High heat of hydration in mass concrete elements
Risk of thermal cracking due to rapid temperature rise
Limited working windows due to extreme weather
Customized Solution
Our technical team developed Retard-SG80, a specialized sodium gluconate-based formulation featuring:
Advanced Retarding Technology
High-purity sodium gluconate (99% minimum)
Optimal dosage range of 0.03%-0.10% by cement weight
Compatible with various cement types and admixtures
Precise setting time control from 2 to 8 hours extension
Performance Results
The implementation delivered outstanding outcomes:
Concrete Performance
Setting time extended by 5 hours, enabling complete placement
Compressive strength maintained at 45MPa (28 days)
Excellent workability retention for 4+ hours
Reduced thermal cracking by 70% through controlled hydration
Construction Benefits
Single continuous pours up to 3,500 m³ achieved
Zero cold joints in critical structural elements
Improved surface quality with minimal defects
Enhanced pumpability over long distances
Quality Verification
Independent testing confirmed:
Compliance with ASTM C494 Type B standards
Consistent performance across all concrete batches
No adverse effects on final strength development
Excellent compatibility with other admixtures
Economic Advantages
The sodium gluconate solution provided significant value:
Reduced labor costs through optimized placement schedules
Minimal equipment downtime with reliable performance
Eliminated repair costs associated with cold joints
Accelerated project timeline by 15%
Technical Innovation
Key technological features included:
Precise Hydration Control: Optimal retardation without strength loss
Temperature Stability: Consistent performance in high heat
Dosage Flexibility: Adaptable to varying placement requirements
Environmental Compatibility: Biodegradable and eco-friendly
Client Testimonial
"The sodium gluconate retarder from Huahai Feifei was instrumental in our dam construction success. The extended setting time allowed us to complete massive pours without compromising concrete quality, while the consistent performance ensured we stayed on schedule despite challenging conditions." - Chief Project Engineer
Industry Applications
This success demonstrates sodium gluconate applications in:
Mass concrete structures (dams, foundations)
Large-scale infrastructure projects
Hot weather concreting
Complex architectural concrete
Precast and ready-mix operations
About Huahai Feifei
We specialize in high-quality concrete admixtures, offering a comprehensive range of water reducers, retarders, and specialty chemicals. Our sodium gluconate products are manufactured to the highest purity standards for reliable performance.
