A different view

EDE threads are becoming messy and confused in these current difficult SP times.

I thought I might step out of the ether, post something justifiably positive, then disappear again.

The value proposition of EDE admixtures are not high strength, or low permeability, or low shrinkage, or high durability, or high abrasion resistance, or workability, nor any other measured parameter.

EDE admixtures have to be valued in terms of producing cost effective concrete using reduced Portland cement or low cement high pozzolan blends that meet mix specifications on strength, permeability, shrinkage, durability, abrasion resistance and workability as required. The cost effectiveness should be more dramatic in specialist mixes that erstwhile require high cement content to satisfy some of the above parameters, notably durability in tunnels and marine structures for example.

Specialist mix designs are used in high volume for marine structures, tall buildings, tunnel lining, grouts and pavements. These specialist mixes all have one thing in common, they are expensive compared to residential/municipal concrete mixes, by a factor up to and exceeding 2.

Combining supply plus placement costs, specialist concrete mixes can be $700-800 per m3 once placed. At this level, cost reductions need only be incremental to significantly impact bottom line profitability for contractors constructing transport infrastructure projects, each using typically 1-1.5 mill m3 of concrete. Ditto for major underground mine works.

A saving of just $10 per m3 on concrete with a placed cost of $800 per m3 represents a reduction of just 1.25%, but adds $10-15 mill to bottom line profit per project to the contractors constructing large infrastructure projects. Savings of >> $10 per m3 are likely possible with CNT admixture in a number of specialist concrete mixes.

The pace of change in concrete mix design globally over the past five or more decades has been glacial. New technology like CNT admixtures will attract attention if the product adds value and is visible to those who can use it.

The value proposition of EDE CNT admixtures in the specialist concrete market will be established by industry based concrete technologists and engineers who will develop complying mix designs that are cheaper to supply and/or cheaper to place. A strong value proposition will permit strong admixture pricing in this market.

The specialist concrete mix market is not the market currently being developed for road maintenance in America. Imo, the two markets are completely synergistic and both can be considered in parallel rather than in sequence.

The key is engaging with industry.

Dex