Abstract: In some variations, this disclosure provides a method of verifying the presence of an admixture in association with a solid base material, by combining the admixture with a stable inorganic tracer. A sample of the solid base material may be analyzed, using suitable analytical techniques, to detect the presence of the inorganic tracer in excess of any native inorganic tracer. When the inorganic tracer is positively detected, it is confirmed that the traceable admixture has been properly dosed within the base material. The inorganic tracer may comprise a rare earth metal, such as selenium, molybdenum, bismuth, and combinations, alloys, or oxides thereof, for example. The solid base material may be a cementitious material, in some embodiments. The traceable admixture may be a water-repellent admixture, in some embodiments. The principles of the invention, however, are widely applicable.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides improved water-repellent admixtures for cementitious materials. The water-repellent admixtures are incorporated during masonry processing to improve the water resistance of the final product. Solid water-repellent admixtures may be conveniently incorporated into pre-blended dry mortar mixes. In some variations, a pre-blended dry mortar mix comprises a cementitious material, an aggregate, and a dry water-repellent admixture, wherein the water-repellent admixture contains one or more materials selected from the group consisting of silanes, siloxanes, free fatty acids, fatty acid derivatives, particulated polymers, and particulated copolymers, and wherein the water-repellent admixture is present in the pre-blended dry mortar mix in a dosage from about 0.01% to about 1.00% by weight of the pre-blended dry mortar mix.

Abstract: Admixture or additive which provides water-repellency and flexural bond strength improvement in mortar, concrete, or cement, and particularly in masonry mortars. An exemplary admixture composition includes: (a) at least one C8-C30 fatty acid or a derivative thereof, such as a salt, ester, or triglyceride; and (b) a flexural bond strength enhancing material comprising a polymer having a backbone to which are attached carboxyl cement anchoring groups and oxyalkylene groups attached by linkages selected from the group consisting of an amide, an imide, and an ester. A preferred additive optionally includes an air entraining admixture for improving workability of a masonry mortar into which the fatty acid or derivative and the flexural bond strength enhancing material are added. A cementitious composition and method for enhancing water-repellency and flexural bond strength in a masonry mortar are also disclosed.

Abstract: Admixture or additive which provides water-repellency and flexural bond strength improvement in mortar, concrete, or cement, and particularly in masonry mortars. An exemplary admixture composition includes: (a) at least one C8-C30 fatty acid or a derivative thereof, such as a salt, ester, or triglyceride; and (b) a flexural bond strength enhancing material comprising a polymer having a backbone to which are attached carboxyl cement anchoring groups and oxyalkylene groups attached by linkages selected from the group consisting of an amide, an imide, and an ester. A preferred additive optionally includes an air entraining admixture for improving workability of a masonry mortar into which the fatty acid or derivative and the flexural bond strength enhancing material are added. A cementitious composition and method for enhancing water-repellency and flexural bond strength in a masonry mortar are also disclosed.

Abstract: A masonry concrete, for use in making segmental retaining wall units, pavers, blocks, and the like, having zero slump and incorporating betaine for improving freeze-thaw durability, and optionally efflorescent control agents and/or water reducer agents. Exemplary admixtures and methods of improving the freeze-thaw durability of masonry units are also disclosed.

Abstract: Additive which simultaneously provides water-repellency and flexural bond strength improvement in mortar, concrete, or cement. An exemplary composition include calcium stearate and a flexural bond strength enhancing material comprising a polymer having a backbone to which are attached carboxyl cement anchoring groups. A cementious composition and method for enhancing water-repellency and flexural bond strength in a mortar are also disclosed.

Abstract: An additive is provided that comprises a single blend of an acid component and calcium stearate for simultaneously controlling both primary and secondary efflorescence in concrete, and particularly in concrete masonry units such as pavers. A preferred method comprises the steps of partially saponifying tall oil fatty acid with calcium hydroxide, and thereafter adding calcium stearate dispersion to form a stable emulsion blend. In another embodiment, potassium hydroxide is mixed with calcium stearate dispersion, then subsequently introduced into tall oil fatty acid to provide a non-emulsion TOFA/CSD blend.