Construction World February 2019

CHRYSO works closely with both the readymix supplier and the end- user, making sure what is required at the end of the value-chain.

Readymix suppliers look to admixtures and technology for growth.

CHRYSO have invested extensively in R&D to produce solution when dealing with sand quality. This allows producers to use lower quality sand, which would not otherwise have delivered the required results, providing more flexibility in sourcing sand for the readymix. For this purpose, CHRYSO® Quad 20 is a unique formulation which increases the viscosity of cement paste with limited impact on concrete slump and slump flow. “This admixture increases the cohesiveness of concrete and makes the mix more robust in terms of changes in water content,” he says. “The rheological properties of the concrete are significantly more consistent, while bleeding and segregation is prevented.” He adds that benefits include a higher flowability and improved finishability. The admixture does not contain any chloride and its exclusive formulation is user-friendly. “With our access to evolving technology, we listen to what the customer wants and provide a fit-for-purpose solution,” he says. “We look at what is most important to them – such as the concrete’s strength, slump or open time – and according to these priorities we can manufacture an admixture specifically for their concrete.” Kloppers says that CHRYSO® Optima 1000 technology represents a formula that adjusts to match customers’ demands, with unprecedented flexibility for maximum robustness, reliability and precision. It offers up to seven hour workability retention and up to 50% water reduction for an optimal dosage per cubic metre. With CHRYSO Southern Africa’s R&D capacity, the solution does not have to be off-the-shelf, but instead can be developed to the customer’s needs on an individual project. The company’s dedicated laboratory can provide the R&D for a customised admixture that will suit the customer. “We gather as much information as we can about aggregate from the country’s various quarries, for instance, and store that data in our laboratory,” he says. “As soon as product arrives, we conduct tests and provide solutions for our customers’ various needs.” A key added benefit that CHRYSO Southern Africa provides to customers is to create the mix designs for their respective projects, based on samples and testing of the material they plan to use. The company also works closely with the in-house laboratories of larger readymix players, as well as independent commercial laboratories, depending on the need. “At the end of the day, our customers all need to produce their readymix concrete at an optimum cost per cubic metre to remain competitive while retaining the required quality,” he says. “What has changed is that many readymix producers are looking to us to help grow their markets, in an economic environment where growth is flat.” To do this, CHRYSO Southern Africa continues to expand its range into value-added products related to aspects such as decorative concrete, permeability reduced watertight concrete and dust suppressants. “We work closely with both the readymix supplier and the end-user, making sure that we understand what is

Specific challenges faced have been the rising cost and variable quality of aggregate and sand.

CHRYSO invests extensively in R&D to produce solutions that are fit-for- purpose and deal with sand/aggregate quality.

required at the end of the value-chain,” he says. “This allows us to educate the end-user about a range of cost effective options, which they then purchase through the readymix supplier.” Fibres, mould release oils and curing compounds are among the other significant drives into the market from CHRYSO Southern Africa to help grow customers’ business. “This also means changing the approach of the readymix supplier, as they were conventionally expected just to deliver what the customer ordered,” he says. “Now that we are making a greater range of technologies available to these suppliers, they can also offer their customers more by enquiring after their other site requirements and as a result thereof make useful and cost saving suggestions.” 

39

CONSTRUCTION WORLD FEBRUARY 2019