Construction World August 2024

PRODUCTS

a.b.e.® Saint-Gobain, a leading provider in the field of concrete works, repair, and protection, has expanded its product offerings to include the duracure range of curing compounds. These compounds are designed to retain moisture in freshly poured concrete, ensuring effective curing and significantly reducing the risk of shrinkage cracks. The comprehensive duracure range is developed to cater to various concrete application needs, reflecting a.b.e.®'s commitment to quality and innovation. a.b.e.® enhances concrete works with duracure CURING COMPOUNDS RANGE

T he technologies underpinning the duracure range are diverse, encompassing formulations based on acrylic, wax, water-based, solvent-based petroleum resins, and pliolite resin. This variety ensures that there is a suitable product for every specific curing requirement, whether for large-scale industrial projects or smaller, more intricate concrete applications. • The acrylic-based curing compound in the duracure range offers excellent durability and UV resistance, making it ideal for outdoor and indoor applications, and dries clear therefore will not cause staining on off-shutter concrete applications and can receive further coatings. • The wax-based duracure WB compound, on the other hand, is particularly effective in forming a moisture retentive film on the concrete surface, promoting uniform curing and also dries clear with no staining but should not be used where overlay coatings will be required. • The white-pigmented duracure WPR is also ideal for spraying large areas like airport aprons, concrete roads, bridge decks or external hardstands because the white pigment in this particular curing compound offers light reflectance and heat reduction off the surface to minimize plastic drying shrinkage cracking. The water-based formulations are environmentally friendly, easy to apply, and clean up, and for spray application to large areas. Solvent-based petroleum resin compounds provide quick-drying solutions with superior adhesion, suitable for projects requiring fast turnaround times. In the duracure range these include: • duracure SB (solvent-based) white or clear resin that is liquid membrane-forming which facilitates hydration thus increasing strength, wear resistance and reduced dusting. Ideal for concrete floors and

external hardstands. • Finally, pliolite resin-based curing compound, duracure PR offer exceptional performance in maintaining moisture retention, especially in challenging environmental conditions. It is a multi purpose curing, sealing and protective membrane. It acts as a primer and final coat for external applications where the clear is ideal on floors and plaster while the white acts as a primer for bitumen and asphalt overlays and as a top coat to concrete structures and windfarm tower bases. The introduction of the duracure range signifies a.b.e.®'s dedication to advancing concrete technology in South Africa, providing construction professionals with reliable, high-performance solutions. By addressing the critical aspect of moisture retention during the curing process, these compounds play a vital role in enhancing the durability and longevity of concrete structures, thereby contributing to the overall quality of construction projects and the resilience in infrastructure. 

40 CONSTRUCTION WORLD AUGUST 2024