Abstract: Described are a method and system for coordinating the delivery and placement of concrete loads at a job site, and more particularly to adjusting a set time value or value range of the concrete loads, thereby to facilitate finishing or other concrete placement activities. In exemplary embodiments, the adjustments can be made based on an assessment of previously placed concrete loads. The set time values or value ranges of the concrete can be monitored and adjusted to achieve desired properties during installation and/or in its hardened state.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for determining volume of a concrete mix load in a mixer drum based on use of an in-and-out sensor probe which submerges into and exits from the concrete during drum rotation and which provides data to a processor used for calculating volume based on the data. To provide for concavity, convexity, and/or cascading surface flow effects that can hinder accurate determination of the concrete load volume, the processor may be configured to compare original batch volume and/or rheology of the concrete load monitored during drum rotation. The calibration of load volume value, highly useful for monitoring or admixture dosing purposes, can be done based on comparison of real-time data with historic data gathered over time and stored in processor-accessible memory. Further exemplary embodiments also take into account the speed and/or tilt of the drum (due to roadway conditions), concrete mix design, and other factors.

Abstract: Disclosed are exemplary process and system for managing a mix design catalog of a concrete producer that involves collecting slump curve data obtained during in-transit monitoring of delivered concrete loads made from a plurality of various mix designs, wherein each mix design is identified by a different identification code (regardless of whether components are different), clustering slump curve data having same movement characteristics according to assigned strength value, and selecting a mix design to produce, to display, or both to produce and to display, from among the two or more slump data curves of individual mix designs within the same data curve cluster. The selection is based on same movement characteristic and assigned strength value, and at least one factor relative to cost, performance, physical aspect, quality, or other characteristic of the concrete mix or its components. Exemplary methods for generating new mix designs are also disclosed.

Abstract: Described are admixture composition and method for integrally waterproofing cementitious compositions, such as concrete and mortar, wherein an organosilicon compound (e.g., silane) is mixed with animal oil, vegetable oil, or mixture thereof, and defoaming agent. The organosilicon/oil mixtures of the present invention enhances the water repellent efficacy of the organosilicon, even as it displays inherently greater product stability, as compared to emulsion-based (and thus substantial free-water containing) admixture formulations of the prior art. Cementitious materials made in accordance with the present invention demonstrate excellent air consistency and air neutrality.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus and method for measurement and monitoring of physical properties of materials, such as liquids, and more particularly to acoustic instruments, methods, and systems that automatically measure air content in real-time within liquids, including concrete, mortar, or other hydratable cementitious mix suspensions using resonant electroacoustic transducers that have their radiating surfaces in contact with the liquid.

Abstract: A method and system for concrete monitoring calibration using truck-mounted mixer drum jump speed data selectively assimilated from previous deliveries. The method involves measuring energy at a first drum speed and a second drum speed. Slump is calculated using low speed energy/speed/slump curve data, or pre-stored equation wherein slump is derived as a function of slope of the line. The energy, speed, slump relationship in the provided concrete is compared to at least two pre-stored data curves across drum speed ranges of 15 0.5 RPM-6 RPM and 6 RPM-20 RPM, to ascertain whether the provided concrete matches any of the stored curve data; either activating the monitoring system for all drum speed ranges where a match is confirmed or allowing the monitoring system to calculate slump only at low drum speeds.

Abstract: A system and process for detecting dynamic segregation in concrete rotated within a mixer drum, such as mounted on a delivery truck. A system processor is programmed to monitor an instantaneous and averaged rheology parameter and to deploy protocols for detecting segregation. A first protocol comprises monitoring the averaged slump during and immediately after a jump in drum speed of at least plus or minus four rotations per minute and detecting when a change in the averaged slump value meets or exceeds a threshold; and a second protocol comprises monitoring the instantaneous slump when the mixer drum is rotating at a constant speed for at least three successive rotations and detecting when the instantaneous slump value meets or exceeds a threshold limit. Once segregation is detected, one or more operations can be initiated, such as initiating an alarm or adjusting the mix.

Abstract: The present invention relates to very high workable yet controllable concrete mix design, admixture composition, and process for placing concrete. The mix design relates to particular aggregate/cement ratios and types which are characteristic of ready mix concrete (RMC), which provide high fluidity reminiscent of self-consolidating concrete (SCC), and which provides advantages over both RMC and SCC in terms of ease and speed in placement and finishability at the construction site placement zone, regardless of whether into a horizontal formwork (e.g., for slabs, floors) or into vertical formwork (e.g., for blocks, walls, columns, etc.), without loss of control and without generating high risks of segregation even when small amounts of water are added at the size to facilitate finishing of the concrete surface.

Abstract: Described are a method and system for minimizing errors in the manufacture or management of aggregate-containing construction materials such as concrete. Aggregates used for making concrete are stored or weighed in dry bulk bin type hoppers, and conveyed from these hoppers into mixer drums which batching or mix the concrete. The hoppers or conveyor belts may contain sensor probes for measuring moisture levels in the aggregate. These sensor probes require calibration from time to time, but time and expense are required for proper calibration, leading to habitually erroneous moisture level data used in the industry on a daily basis. The present inventors believe that the smallest inaccuracies in aggregate moisture level readings can have profound effects on the properties of the resultant concrete product.

Abstract: Described are admixture composition and method for integrally waterproofing cementitious compositions, such as concrete and mortar, wherein an organosilicon compound (e.g., silane) is mixed with animal oil, vegetable oil, or mixture thereof, and defoaming agent. The organosilicon/oil mixtures of the present invention enhances the water repellent efficacy of the organosilicon, even as it displays inherently greater product stability, as compared to emulsion-based (and thus substantial free-water containing) admixture formulations of the prior art. Cementitious materials made in accordance with the present invention demonstrate excellent air consistency and air neutrality.

Abstract: Disclosed are dosing methods for mitigating the deleterious effect of clays, which are born or conveyed by sand aggregates, crushed rock, gravel, and other aggregates used in the manufacture of concrete, upon the dosage efficiency of cement dispersants added into concrete. Instead of introducing the entire cement mitigation agent (CMA) into the aggregate material before or during batching in the mix plant in a singular, upfront dose, the present invention comprises administering a clay mitigation agent (CMA) on at least two instances in a mixer, wherein at least 21%-100% of the total CMA added into the concrete is added after initial batching of water, cement binder, and clay-bearing aggregates to form the concrete slurry in the mixer during the transit portion of the delivery between initial batching at the mix plant and the pour event at the job site.

Abstract: The present invention discloses cementitious compositions which contain hydratable cement, limestone, or mixture thereof, having improved strength properties due to the presence of calcined clay and certain higher alkanolamines, wherein the calcined clay has an Fe2O3 content of greater than one percent (1%). Also disclosed are exemplary additives and methods for enhancing strength of cement and/or limestone compositions.

Abstract: Disclosed are dosing methods for mitigating the deleterious effect of clays, which are born or conveyed by sand aggregates, crushed rock, gravel, and other aggregates used in the manufacture of concrete, upon the dosage efficiency of cement dispersants added into concrete. Instead of introducing the entire cement mitigation agent (CMA) into the aggregate material at a quarry or upon batching in the mix plant in a singular, upfront dose, the present invention comprises combining at least 51% and up to 100%, and, most preferably, at least 75% and up to 100%, of the total dosage amount of the CMAs into a given concrete mix batch during the transit portion of the delivery between initial batching at the mix plant and the pour event at the job site.

Abstract: The present invention discloses cementitious compositions which contain hydratable cement, limestone, or mixture thereof, having improved strength properties due to the presence of calcined clay and certain higher alkanolamines, wherein the calcined clay has an Fe203 content of greater than one percent (1%). Also disclosed are exemplary additives and methods for enhancing strength of cement and/or limestone compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for detecting hardened concrete buildup in a mixer drum which is substantially devoid of plastic concrete. An exemplary method involves monitoring the hydraulic pressure required to rotate the drum through at least two successive rotations at constant speed, using a hydraulic pressure sensor on hydraulic charge side, discharge side, or preferably both sides of the hydraulic motor which turns the mixer drum; and detecting when the pressure/time data curve indicates eccentric behavior of the mixer drum, whereby an alarm or other indication is provided to confirm that the hardened concrete buildup in the truck is not acceptable. The buildup detection method and system of the present invention does not require the use of an automated slump monitoring system, but can be implemented in combination with such systems with favorable results and advantages.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods involving the use of a carboxylate graft polymer having high molecular weight and low ratio of acid-to-polyoxyalkylene groups. Such clay-mitigation is particularly useful for treating clay and clay-bearing aggregates, particularly those aggregates used for construction purposes. The present invention minimizes the need to wash the aggregates, thus preserving fine aggregates (“fines”) content in construction materials, and thereby beneficiating the performance and/or properties of construction materials containing the clay-bearing aggregates.

Abstract: A system and process for detecting dynamic segregation in concrete rotated within a mixer drum, such as mounted on a delivery truck. A system processor is programmed to monitor an instantaneous and averaged rheology parameter (e.g., instantaneous and averaged slump values) and to deploy one or more protocols for detecting the occurrence of segregation.

Abstract: A system and process for detecting dynamic segregation in concrete rotated within a mixer drum, such as mounted on a delivery truck. A system processor is programmed to monitor an instantaneous and averaged rheology parameter and to deploy protocols for detecting segregation. A first protocol comprises monitoring the averaged slump during and immediately after a jump in drum speed of at least plus or minus four rotations per minute and detecting when a change in the averaged slump value meets or exceeds a threshold; and a second protocol comprises monitoring the instantaneous slump when the mixer drum is rotating at a constant speed for at least three successive rotations and detecting when the instantaneous slump value meets or exceeds a threshold limit. Once segregation is detected, one or more operations can be initiated, such as initiating an alarm or adjusting the mix.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for treating clay-bearing aggregates, particularly those used for construction purposes, whereby inclusion of fines is maximized due to minimization of clay washing which tends to remove such fines, and whereby performance of the aggregate-containing construction material is enhanced. Exemplary methods comprise introducing to clay a water-soluble, functionalized polyamine comprising a water-soluble polyamine formed by reacting an amine compound with an epoxy compound, the polyamine thus reacted being functionalized through the use of certain halide, sulfate, or epoxy compounds.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for treating clay-bearing aggregates, particularly those used for construction purposes, whereby inclusion of fines is maximized due to minimization of clay washing which tends to remove such fines, and whereby performance of the aggregate-containing construction material is enhanced. Exemplary methods comprise introducing to clay a water-soluble, functionalized polyamine comprising a water-soluble polyamine formed by reacting an amine compound with an epoxy compound, the polyamine thus reacted being functionalized through the use of certain halide, sulfate, or epoxy compounds.