Fondag - Pure Calcium Aluminate Concrete

General characteristics of Fondag include the following:

• RESISTANCE TO EXTREME TEMPERATURES AND THERMAL CYCLING: Fondag is extremely stable at high temperatures and in conditions of severe thermal cycling from ­freezing temperatures to 2,000°F (1,093°C).  When exposed to the same cycles, Portland cement based concrete becomes unstable and experiences mechanical and structural failure.
• RESISTANCE TO ABRASION AND MECHANICAL SHOCK:  Fondag is a concrete with low porosity and high density, which is 7 to 10 times more resistant to abrasion than typical 5,000-psi Portland cement concrete.
• RAPID HARDENING:  Fondag generates high strength at an early stage, with 24-hour compressive strengths of 8,000 - 9,000 psi (55MPa to 60 MPa).
• COLD WEATHER APPLICATIONS:  During hydration, Fondag generates heat through an exothermic reaction which allows for placement in ambient temperatures as low as 0°F (-18°C) without the expense of winter protection as long as the starting components are above 32° F.
• RESISTANCE TO CORROSION:  Fondag does not generate free calcium hydroxide during its hydration process, in contrast to traditional concrete.  Its unique hydrates, combined with its low degree of porosity, enables Fondag to withstand corrosive environments and dilute chemical solutions (pH range of 3.5 to 11).
• EASY TO USE, JUST ADD WATER:  Fondag can be mixed and placed with most conventional construction equipment.  In the plastic phase, Fondag appears similar to Portland cement concrete.  Normal finishing procedures can be followed.

Curing Procedures for Fondag :
After concrete placement and finishing is complete, prompt attention should be given to curing and protection from severe conditions.

• After brooming or final floating wait for surface to "dull".  This is characterized as the point where any surface water or "sheen" has disappeared.  The concrete may still be in a somewhat workable state at this point.
• Apply an even coat of a liquid membrane-forming curing compound which conforms to the ASTM C 309 standard and the additional requirements of a minimum solids content of 25% and a maximum loss of water of 0.4 kg/m 3 in 72 hours.  This additional information should be available from the manufacturer.  Apply at the coverage rate specified by the manufacturer.  Typical curing compounds meeting these requirements are as follows:
  • Master Builders - MasterKure (solvent based)
  • Sonneborn - Kure-N-Seal 30
  • Tamms - Clear Seal 300
• Typically, these types of curing compounds are a fairly thick solution (about the consistency of corn syrup) and require application with a roller or brush. Application should take place as soon as the chosen method can be employed without damage to the finished concrete surface.
• Water curing can also be used as the curing method.  If water curing is selected, it should be implemented as follows:
  • Moist curing shall be applied upon final set and/or notice of heat generation at the surface and should be continued for approx 24 hours.
  • After 24 hours, the concrete can be considered mature and ready for service.

Fondag is available in two versions; a casting grade and a gunning grade.  Both grades contain cement and aggregates.  Fondag is ready to use and needs only the addition of water to be used.  The casting grade formulation is Fondag RS.  The gunning grade is referred to as Fondag DG.  Depending upon the specific application, stainless steel and/or polypropylene fibers can be incorporated into any grade of Fondag.

Fondag RS is the "regular set" formulation.  This formulation provides a standard working time of 2 to 3 hours.  The typical 24-hour strength of Fondag RS is in excess of 8,000 psi (55 MPa). Fondag RS is available in 50-pound bags and 3,200-pound SuperSacks.  Each 50-pound bag will yield 0.32 cubic feet of mixed concrete.  Each 3,200-pound SuperSack will yield 0.75 cubic yards of mixed concrete.