Abstract: A method for the decontamination and solidification of dredged material is described. The method includes, in the following order, (a) adding a lime-based binder to dredged material to form a mixture; (b) letting the mixture cool to about ambient temperature; and (c) adding to the mixture a chelating agent. The order of the steps may not be reversed without affecting the effectiveness of the treatment of the dredged material. A method for producing filler containing decontaminated and solidified dredged material is also described. The method includes treating dredged material with a lime-based binder and a chelating agent and adding the resulting mixture to concrete.

Abstract: A pigment paste and a method for making the same that alters the appearance of concrete such that, after the concrete sets, it resembles natural stone concrete sets, it resembles natural stone (e.g., marble, granite, sandstone, bluestone, etc.) without separately applying a finish of any kind to the concrete are provided. The pigment paste preferably comprises a filler, a pigment, an anti-foaming agent, a surfactant, and water. In some embodiments, the surfactant is a water reducing admixture. A concrete compound having a finish resembling natural stone is made by combining the pigment paste with a concrete mix, which includes a cementitious material with aggregate and water, and a chemical admixture. Upon adding the pigment paste and mixing it, the cementitious material is allowed to set, where, after it sets, the concrete has a finish resembling natural stone.

Abstract: A non-chloride powder admixture that, when added to concrete, substantially reduces the setting time for concrete and increases the strength of the concrete is provided. The powder admixture preferably comprises a calcium aluminate compound (e.g., SECAR 51) and a lithium carbonate compound. The calcium aluminate compound preferably has at least 51.7% alumina. In some embodiments, a surfactant may be added to the mixture of the calcium aluminate compound and the lithium carbonate compound. In some embodiments, the powder admixture may be blended with a cementitious material, such as fly ash or slag. Upon adding water to the admixture and cementitious material mixture, both the setting time of the mixture reduces and the strength of the mixture increases as compared to the setting time and strength of the cementitious material without the powder admixture.

Abstract: A pigment paste and a method for making the same that alters the appearance of concrete such that, after the concrete sets, it resembles natural stone (e.g., marble, granite, sandstone, bluestone, etc.) without separately applying a finish of any kind to the concrete are provided. The pigment paste preferably comprises a filler, a pigment, an anti-foaming agent, a surfactant, and water. In some embodiments, the surfactant is a water reducing admixture. A concrete compound having a finish resembling natural stone is made by combining the pigment paste with a concrete mix, which includes a cementitious material with aggregate and water, and a chemical admixture. Upon adding the pigment paste and mixing it, the cementitious material is allowed to set, where, after it sets, the concrete has a finish resembling natural stone.

Abstract: A non-chloride powder admixture that, when added to concrete, substantially reduces the setting time for concrete and increases the strength of the concrete is provided. The powder admixture preferably comprises a calcium aluminate compound (e.g., SECAR 51) and a lithium carbonate compound. The calcium aluminate compound preferably has at least 51.7% alumina. In some embodiments, a surfactant may be added to the mixture of the calcium aluminate compound and the lithium carbonate compound. In some embodiments, the powder admixture may be blended with a cementitious material, such as fly ash or slag. Upon adding water to the admixture and cementitious material mixture, both the setting time of the mixture reduces and the strength of the mixture increases as compared to the setting time and strength of the cementitious material without the powder admixture.

Abstract: A pigment paste and a method for making the same that alters the appearance of concrete such that, after the concrete sets, it resembles natural stone (e.g., marble, granite, sandstone, bluestone, etc.) without separately applying a finish of any kind to the concrete are provided. The pigment paste preferably comprises a filler, a pigment, an anti-foaming agent, a surfactant, and water. In some embodiments, the surfactant is a water reducing admixture. A concrete compound having a finish resembling natural stone is made by combining the pigment paste with a concrete mix, which includes a cementitious material with aggregate and water, and a chemical admixture. Upon adding the pigment paste and mixing it, the cementitious material is allowed to set, where, after it sets, the concrete has a finish resembling natural stone.

Abstract: A low moisture composition for producing concrete articles exhibiting increased density and strength and requiring a short consolidation time is obtained by adding a powder admixture of naphthalene formaldehyde condensates to a cement composition.

Abstract: A method for the decontamination and solidification of dredged material is described. The method includes, in the following order, (a) adding a lime-based binder to dredged material to form a mixture; (b) letting the mixture cool to about ambient temperature; and (c) adding to the mixture a chelating agent. The order of the steps may not be reversed without affecting the effectiveness of the treatment of the dredged material. A method for producing filler containing decontaminated and solidified dredged material is also described. The method includes treating dredged material with a lime-based binder and a chelating agent and adding the resulting mixture to concrete.

Abstract: Cement compositions including alumino-silicate and an imidized carboxylic polymer exhibit improved workability.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a gypsum composition having improved setting and strength characteristics. More specifically, this invention relates to a gypsum composition comprising an acrylic latex and an aliphatic alcohol wherein the composition has a retarded setting rate. This gypsum composition may further comprise a melamine-formaldehyde polymer and/or a styrene butadiene latex. This invention further relates to an artificial marble gypsum composition.