Concrete plants are vital equipment for producing concrete, utilising key materials such as aggregates, powdered materials, water, and admixtures.
1. Aggregates: Aggregates constitute one of concrete’s primary components, primarily serving as the structural framework. Common aggregates in batching plants include crushed stone, pebbles, and sand. These aggregates are blended in specific proportions to provide the strength and stability required for concrete.
2. Powdered Materials: Primarily referring to cement, this acts as the cementitious material in concrete, binding the aggregates together. Additionally, admixtures such as fly ash or ground granulated blast furnace slag may be incorporated as required to enhance concrete performance.
3. Water: An indispensable raw material in concrete production, water reacts with cement through hydration, causing the concrete to harden and gain strength. Clean freshwater is typically used as mixing water in batching plants.
4. Admixtures: Admixtures are chemical additives employed to enhance concrete properties. Common types include water-reducing agents, retarders, and air-entraining agents. These admixtures improve concrete workability, delay setting time, and increase durability.