Abstract: The present invention provides a method for treating clay-bearing aggregates, particularly those used for construction purposes, which involve introducing to clay-bearing aggregates an ion-exchanged polycondensate of dialkylamine and epichlorohydrin having anionic groups comprising both acetate and chloride ionic groups, wherein the acetate is present in an amount of 51-99 percent, and more preferably in the amount of 60-95 percent, based on molar concentration of the anionic groups, whereby chloride ionic groups are minimally present.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for making sand compositions wherein manufactured sand particles are pretreated with a clay-mitigating polycation and blended with natural sand particles that have washed to remove fines such that at least 90% of the natural sand particles are retained on a 75 micron sieve. Methods of the invention also involve the use of the blended pretreated sand for making concrete wherein the sand is combined with cement, a polycarboxylate type dispersant, a further amount of clay-mitigating polycation compound, and at least one hydryoxyl or hydroxyl carboxylic acid or salt compound.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for making sand compositions wherein manufactured sand particles are pretreated with a clay-mitigating polycation and blended with natural sand particles that have washed to remove fines such that at least 90% of the natural sand particles are retained on a 75 micron sieve. Methods of the invention also involve the use of the blended pretreated sand for making concrete wherein the sand is combined with cement, a polycarboxylate type dispersant, a further amount of clay-mitigating polycation compound, and at least one hydryoxyl or hydroxyl carboxylic acid or salt compound.