Abstract: The processibility and initial mechanical strengths of hydraulic cement compositions, e.g., Portland cement, are improved by formulating therewith an adjuvant comprising (i) a water-soluble salt of the condensation product of an aromatic sulfonic acid with HCHO (formulated either alone or in admixture with a water-soluble salt of an aromatic sulfonic acid which has not been condensed with HCHO), (ii) lithium hydroxide, and (iii) a hydroxide of another alkali metal or of an alkaline earth metal.

Abstract: Mortars and concretes are formulated from hydraulic binders, and are adapted for more rapid setting and hardening in cold weather, such formulations including the admixture of hydraulic binder, aggregates and water, and such formulations being characterized in that they include:(a) a water-soluble dispersant/water-reducing agent;(b) an inorganic basic agent selected from the group comprising the hydroxides of alkali metals other than lithium, alkaline earth metal hydroxides and the mixtures of one of such hydroxides with lithium hydroxide; and(c) a water-soluble salt of an inorganic oxyacid or an aliphatic or aromatic carboxylic acid, said acid having an ionization constant pKa of less than 2.5 in water at 25.degree.C.