Abstract: An additive consisting of (poly)ethyleneglycol monocycloalkylether of a specified kind, (poly)alkyleneglycol or (poly)alkyleneglycol monoalkylether of another specified kinds, an organic phosphoric acid ester of still another specified kind and an antifoaming agent in a specified ratio, when used at a specified ratio, can provide hydraulic cement compositions with reduced bleeding of water after the placing and reduced dry shrinkage of hardened objects.

Abstract: The present invention provides: a cement admixture which displays excellent cracking inhibition effect and brings about good fluidity even if the quantity of the cement admixture as added is small; and a cement composition comprising this cement admixture. The cement admixture comprises a polyalkylene glycol (A) and a polyalkylene glycol mono(meth)acrylate/unsaturated carboxylic acid-based copolymer (B), wherein: the average molecular weight (X) of the (A) is in the range of 400 to 10,000; the average molecular weight (X) of the (A) and the average molecular weight (Y) of a polyalkylene glycol chain portion of the (B) satisfy 0.9<(X/Y)<1.1; and the weight ratio of the (A) to the (B) is in the range of (A)/(B)=0.02 to 0.3. The cement composition at least comprises the above cement admixture, water, and cement.

Abstract: A cement composition for liquid casting, based on a binder comprising Portland cement and additives comprising at least a fluidizer and a combination of a thickening agent acting by steric exclusion and a gelling thickening agent. The composition can also include a surface active agent to regulate the quantity of entrained air. Mixed with water and an aggregate, it permits obtaining, in a single casting, a self-leveling casting of a high thickness (equal to at least 6 cm) and of low density (about 1.6 to 1.9).

Abstract: Improved methods of cementing in subterranean zones penetrated by well bores are provided. The methods are basically comprised of the steps of preparing a cement composition comprised of a hydraulic cement, a biodegradable, substantially non-dispersing set retarder of low anionic character comprised of polysuccinimide and sufficient water to form a slurry, placing said cement composition in said subterranean zone and allowing said cement composition to set into a solid mass therein.

Abstract: One object of the present invention is an agent for the reduction of the degree of shrinkage in hydraulic binders, whereby said agent comprises an alkanolamine of formula R—NH—(AOH) wherein R is hydrogen or a linear or branched aliphatic or cyclic C1-C6-alkyl group, and A is a C2H4-group or C3H6-group, alone or in combination with hydroxy compounds and/or ethers. Furthermore a method for the reduction of the dry shrinkage of binders such as cement, admixed cement, puzzolanas and thereof produced mortars and concretes by means of such a shrinkage reducing agent is described.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an aerated autoclaved concrete material. A quick-stiffening mixture is prepared by combining a silica containing material, quicklime, a rising agent, gypsum, cement and water. The mixture is deposited into a mold and is allowed to form a stiffened body. The stiffened body is removed from the mold and placed in an autoclave station in which it is steam cured at elevated temperature and pressure. The quicklime which is used to form the quick-stiffening mixture is modified with a chemical modifier to provide a desired degree of chemical reactivity in the quick-stiffening mixture.

Abstract: A cementitious mixture comprises a hydraulic cement; greater than about 10% by weight of a pozzolanic cement replacement selected from fly ash, slag, natural pozzolans, and mixtures thereof, based on the weight of said hydraulic cement and cement replacement; and a compatabilizing admixture, wherein the compatabilizing admixture comprises a compatabilizing derivatized polycarboxylate polymer dispersant capable of acting as a water reducer, in combination with an accelerator. The derivatized polycarboxylate dispersant, alone or in combination with other derivatized polycarboxylate dispersants, is a polymer comprising units derived from at least one of a substituted carboxylic acid monomer and a substituted ethylenically unsaturated monomer, at least one of an N-polyoxyalkylene maleimide and a condensation product of an unsubstituted carboxylic acid monomer and an alkoxypolyoxyalkylene primary amine substituted carboxylic acid monomer, and optionally including an unsaturated hydrocarbon.

Abstract: A new category of multi-purpose polymers is presented, the polymers being capable to serve as a cement dispersing agent and which at the same time are set-accelerating and do have shrinkage reducing- and anticorrosive properties to steel. The polymers are ester and amide group-modified acrylic polymers, obtainable by a polymer analogous esterification of a polyacrylic acid with 1) a monofunctional polyalkyleneglycol-monoalkylether, 2) a tertiary alkanolamine and optionally 3) by amidation with a amino-polyalkylenglycol alkylether. The multi-purpose polymers serve for cement dispersing admixture for concrete with set accelerating, shrinkage compensating and anticorrosive properties to steel.

Abstract: New alkanolamine additives for improving the compressive strength, etc. of set cementitious compositions such as Portland cement concrete are described as having at least one alkanolamine or the salt thereof containing at least one alkanol group, and at least one ionic functional group other than hydroxyl group.

Abstract: Additive for cementitious compositions, comprising: at least one admixture, such a shrinkage reducing admixture, an air entraining admixture, a water reducing admixture, an inorganic salt, a corrosion inhibitor, an accelerator, a retarder, or mixture thereof; and a triblock polyoxyalkene copolymer surfactant having the formula R1O—(A1O)x—(A2O)y—(A1O)x—R2 wherein R1 and R2 individually represent hydrogen, a C1-C7 alkyl group, a C5-C6 cycloalkyl group, or an aryl group; A1 represents a C2 alkyl group, A2 represents a branched or linear C3 alkyl group; “x” represents an integer of 42-133; and “y” represents an integer of 21 to 68.

Abstract: An anti-corrosion agent for use with a cementitious composition which is to be reinforced, comprising one or more species selected from a group consisting of alkyldiamines represented by the general formula RHN—(CH2)n-NH2 (in which R is an alkyl having C8-22 atoms, and n is an integer of 1-5) and alkylamines represented by the general formula R—NH2 (in which R is an alkyl having C8-22 atoms). The agents give good anti-corrosion performance which does not decline with time and exposure to the elements to the same extent as is the case with conventional anti-corrosion agents.

Abstract: In the preparation of aqueous cement compositions containing a plasticizer, such as an EO/PO polymer-containing plasticizer, or EO/PO comb polymer-containing plasticizer, and further containing clay, such as a smectite clay, which expands when in contact with water, the step of providing an agent operative to modify the clay whereby the plasticizer absorbing capability of the clay is reduced. In exemplary methods of the invention, the plasticizer is an EO/PO (e.g., oxyalkylene) plasticizer and preferably an EO/PO comb polymer, and the clay-activity-modifying agent may comprise an inorganic cation, an organic cation, a polar organic molecule capable of being absorbed by the clay, a clay dispersant (such as a polyphosphate), or a mixture thereof. For clay-activity-modifying agents which comprise a cation or a polar organic molecule, the agent is preferably added to the clay before water is introduced to the clay.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods of cementing casing strings in deep water offshore formations penetrated by well bores. The methods are basically comprised of the steps of preparing a cement composition comprised of hydraulic cement, water, gas, a mixture of foaming and foam stabilizing surfactants, a cement early strength accelerator and a mildly set retarding cement dispersing agent, placing the cement composition in the annulus between the casing string and the well bore and allowing the cement composition to set into a hard impermeable mass.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a self-leveling composition for floor toppings, characterized in that it is based on Portland cement or on cement mix CM II or CM III, and in that it further comprises at least sand, water and at least one plasticizer which is a water-soluble or water-dispersible organic compound (I) containing at least one aminodi(alkylenephosphonic) group and at least one polyoxyalkyl chain, or at least one salt of compound (I).

Abstract: A solidification and curing accelerator for hydraulic binders produced by a process including providing a reaction mixture composed of constituents (a) - (e) as follows: (a) at least one of basic aluminum salts which are substantially water insoluble and aluminum hydroxide; (b) at least one of aluminum sulfate which is substantially water soluble and sulfuric acid; (c) at least one of an organic carboxylic acid or mixtures of at least two organic carboxylic acids; (d) aluminum salts of organic carboxylic acids; and (e) at least one organic and inorganic substance selected from the group consisting of sulfates, hydrogen-sulfates, carbonates, hydrogen-carbonates, alkaline earth metal oxides, and alkaline earth metal hydroxides; adding water to the reaction mixture and reacting at a temperature ranging up to 150 ° C. for a time effective to provide a reaction product which is a solution in water.

Abstract: A composition for improving the freeze thaw durability of masonry concrete comprising (i) an alkylaryl polyether alcohol having the formula R-Ø-(OCH2CH2)xOH, wherein R is a C4-C8 alkyl group (preferably branched), Ø represents a phenol group, and “X” represents an integer in the range of 3-70; and (ii) at least one efflorescence control admixture, such as a C8-C30 fatty acid or its salt or derivative. An exemplary masonry concrete composition of the invention comprises an alkylaryl polyether alcohol having the formula R-Ø-(OCH2CH2)xOH, wherein R is a C4-C8 alkyl group, Ø represents a phenol group, and “X” represents an integer in the range of 3-70; the composition, when wet, having essentially zero slump when tested by the standard cone method for measuring slump. Methods of improving the freeze-thaw durability of masonry units are also disclosed.

Abstract: A cement admixture that includes a copolymer obtained by polymerizing (A) 10 to 85% by weight of N-vinylacetamide or a monomer derived therefrom, (B) 10 to 90% by weight of an (alkoxy)polyethylene glycol (meth)acrylate or (alkoxy)polyethylene glycol (meth)allyl ether monomer, (C) 5 to 50% by weight of a vinyl monomer containing one carboxylic acid group, at least one sulfonic acid group or salt thereof in a molecule, and (D) 0 to 40% by weight of a vinyl monomer other than (A), (B) and (C), provided that the sum of monomers (A), (B), (C) and (D) is 100% by weight. The cement admixture by itself can impart a cement composition with flowability, flowability maintenance ability, packing property and resistance to segregation in good balance, and is effective in improvement of workability, operability, and quality of hardened article.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to cementitious dry cast mixtures for forming cementitious articles, particularly a cementitious dry cast mixture containing a dispersant, wherein said dispersant is a derivatized polycarboxylate dispersant which is a polymer comprising units derived from at least a substituted carboxylic acid monomer or substituted ethylenically unsaturated monomer, and optionally including at least one of an unsaturated hydrocarbon, an N-polyoxyalkylene maleimide, and a condensation product of an unsubstituted carboxylic acid monomer and an alkoxypolyoxyalkylene primary amine substituted carboxylic acid monomer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cement admixture and a cement composition, both of which displays little dependence of the water-reducibility upon temperature in that these cement admixture and cement composition involve little slump loss at high temperature and little increase in the amount of addition at low temperature. The cement admixture comprises either or both of the following components: copolymer (A) which includes constitutional unit (I) of general formula (1) below and constitutional unit (II) of general formula (2) below as essential constitutional units and may further include constitutional unit (III) of general formula (3) below, wherein the content of constitutional unit (III) is 45 weight % or less of copolymer (A); and copolymer salt (B) which is obtained by further neutralizing copolymer (A) with an alkaline substance.

Abstract: A cementitious mixture comprises a hydraulic cement; greater than about 10% by weight of a pozzolanic cement replacement selected from fly ash, slag, natural pozzolans, and mixtures thereof, based on the weight of said hydraulic cement and cement replacement; and a compatabilizing admixture, wherein the compatabilizing admixture comprises a compatabilizing derivatized polycarboxylate polymer dispersant capable of acting as a water reducer, in combination with an accelerator. The derivatized polycarboxylate dispersant, alone or in combination with other derivatized polycarboxylate dispersants, is a polymer comprising units derived from at least one of a substituted carboxylic acid monomer and a substituted ethylenically unsaturated monomer, at least one of an N-polyoxyalkylene maleimide and a condensation product of an unsubstituted carboxylic acid monomer and an alkoxypolyoxyalkylene primary amine substituted carboxylic acid monomer, and optionally including an unsaturated hydrocarbon.

Abstract: This invention relates to enhancing the compressive strength of cements after 1, 3, 7 and 28 days following hydration and to improving porosity and finished surfaces of the hardened cements and concretes made therefrom. The improved cements are prepared using certain hydroxylamine additives in amounts of up to 0.1% which preferably are added during grinding of the cement in which case the amines further act as grinding aids.

Abstract: A substantially non-crosslinked polymer cementitious composition dispersant for the improvement of the fluidity of cementitious compositions comprising hydrophilic side chain substituted polyimide or polyamide backbone units, having at least some proportion of grafted oligomeric or polymeric hydrophilic side chains linking at least one of amides, esters, and thioesters, wherein the polymer cementitious composition is water soluble, and wherein crosslinking is such that in a statistical sampling there is greater than zero to less than 0.1 mole % of backbone units involved in crosslinking.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and air entraining admixtures (AEAs) for achieving satisfactory levels of air entrainment in a hydraulic cementitious composition, such as concrete or mortar, in which an oxyalkylene shrinkage reduction admixture (SRA) is used with, or to be used in combination with, a water soluble salt, such as a calcium salt. Addition of exemplary polyoxyalkylene copolymers, preferably nonionic and substantially di-block in structure, and preferably having a molecular weight of at least 1,000 and more preferably at least 2,000, are described for controlling air entrainment. Increased air entrainment effect is fiber realized when such polymers are used with conventional AEAs, such as tall oils and vinsol resin.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods of cementing casing strings in deep water offshore formations penetrated by well bores. The methods are basically comprised of the steps of preparing a cement composition having a short transition time comprised of hydraulic cement, a water reducing additive, a dispersing additive, a compressive strength enhancing and set retarding additive, a set accelerating additive and water, placing the cement composition in the annulus between the casing string and the well bore and allowing the cement composition to set into a hard impermeable mass.

Abstract: A material for improving the surface appearance of cementitious mouldings comprises a polyalkylene oxide compound which is selected from polypropylene oxide adducts of either polyethylene glycol or polyethylene oxide-ethylene diamine adduct, polypropylene oxide chains being attached to all terminal groups. The material may be added to a cementitious composition as an admixture or applied to the surface of a moulding which has not yet hardened.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to cementitious dry cast mixtures for forming cementitious articles, particularly a cementitious dry cast mixture containing a dispersant, wherein said dispersant is a derivatized polycarboxylate dispersant which is a polymer comprising units derived from at least a substituted carboxylic acid monomer or substituted ethylenically unsaturated monomer, and optionally including at least one of an unsaturated hydrocarbon, an N-polyoxyalkylene maleimide, and a condensation product of an unsubstituted carboxylic acid monomer and an alkoxypolyoxyalkylene primary amine substituted carboxylic acid monomer.

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: The present invention provides a cement additive which can achieve excellent fluid retainability and has excellent mortar kneadability. The cement additive comprises copolymer (A) having polyalkylene glycol ester unit (I) and carboxylic unit (II) as repeating units, wherein polyalkylene glycol ester unit (I) has an oxyalkylene group with 3 to 7 carbon atoms on an ester bonding moiety.

Abstract: A composition for use in construction materials, which may be substituted for high performance concrete, patching materials, joint compounds, and the like, such as backer boards or panels, which includes a settable calcium sulfate, preferably a hemihydrate, Portland cement, a finely divided pozzolanic material, lime, and an aggregate, optionally including other additives. The volume ratio of the aggregate to the combined calcium sulfate, Portland cement, pozzolanic material, and lime (a cementitious binder) is equal to or greater than 2/1. Panels made from this composition are useful, particularly when exposed to water since they have good dimensional stability.

Abstract: A modification to lignosulfonate is disclosed, the effect of which is to reduce the set retarding and air entraining properties normally experienced when using lignosulfonates as water reducing admixtures in cement compositions. The modified lignosulfonate is obtained by oxidative reaction of a lignosulfonate or one of its salts with ammonia or other amine in an aqueous solution.

Abstract: Improved methods of cementing in a subterranean zone penetrated by a well bore are provided. The methods are basically comprised of the steps of preparing a foamed cement composition comprised of hydraulic cement, a non-dispersing set retarder, sufficient water to form a slurry, sufficient gas to foam the slurry and a foaming and foam stabilizing surfactant mixture present in an amount sufficient to facilitate the formation of the foam and stabilize the foamed cement composition.

Abstract: To provide a Thiobacillus thiooxidans growth inhibitor, a cement composition, and a cement structure which are capable of inhibiting effectively growth of Thiobacillus thiooxidans not only in the neutral pH range but also in the acidic pH range of 4 or below, of which active component metal ions are sufficiently prevented from being dissolved and released when contained in a cement structure, and of which effect can be maintained for a prolonged period of time. The inhibitor contains a first component selected from the group consisting of nickel phthalocyanine powders, powders of a nickel phthalocyanine derivative, and mixtures thereof, and a second component selected from the group consisting of tungsten powders, powders of a substantially water-insoluble tungsten compound, a water-soluble salt of tungstic acid turning to substantially water-insoluble when reacted with cement, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for forming permeable cement sand screens in well bores are provided. The compositions are basically comprised of a hydraulic cement, an acid soluble particulate solid, a liquid hydrocarbon solvent soluble particulate solid, a particulate cross-linked gel containing an internal breaker which after time causes the gel to break into a liquid, water present in an amount sufficient to form a slurry, a gas present in an amount sufficient to form a foam and a mixture of foaming and foamed stabilizing surfactants.

Abstract: An additive for an admixture of a cement composition, especially, a retarder of a cement composition, capable of exhibiting excellent retardation effect with a smaller addition amount and easily controlling the retardation time by adjusting the addition amount. An admixture of a cement composition, comprising a cement and at least one iminodiacetic acid or salt thereof represented by formula (I): wherein the M groups each independently represents a hydrogen atom, an alkali metal atom, an ammonium group or a substituted ammonium group; Y represents a divalent alkyl group having from 1 to 5 carbon atoms and the divalent alkyl group may be substituted by a hydroxyl group or a COOM group wherein M represents a hydrogen atom, an alkali metal atom, an ammonium group or a substituted ammonium group; and W represents a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group or a COOM group wherein M represents a hydrogen atom, an alkali metal atom, an ammonium group or a substituted ammonium group.

Abstract: Biodegradable dispersing and fluid loss control additives for well cements, well cement compositions including the additives and methods of using the well cement compositions are provided. The well cement compositions are basically comprised of a hydraulic cement, water in an amount sufficient to form a slurry and a dispersing and fluid loss control additive comprised of casein. A second agent which also provides fluid loss control can optionally be included in the additive.

Abstract: A cement composition includes cement, water in an amount from about 30% to 200% by weight of cement, and an interpolymer latex in an amount from about 10% to 50% by weight of cement. The interpolymer latex includes at least one conjugated diene monomer having 4 to 8 carbon atoms in an amount from about 5% to 95% by weight of the interpolymer latex, at least one vinyl aromatic monomer having 8 to 12 carbon atoms in an amount from about 5% to 95% by weight of the interpolymer latex, and a copolymerizable functional monomer in an amount from about 0.5% to 50% by weight of the interpolymer latex. A method of making a cement composition involves placing the above ingredients in a suitable mixer well known to those of ordinary skill in the art and mixing the ingredients until they form the cement composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a deterioration inhibitor for concrete or mortar which does not pollute water and which, in a small amount, can prevent the deterioration of concrete or mortar due to sulfur oxidizing bacteria for a long time, and also provides a method of inhibiting the deterioration of concrete or mortar which uses the deterioration inhibitor. A phthalocyanine compound is an effective component of the deterioration inhibitor for concrete or mortar. In the method of inhibiting the deterioration of concrete or mortar, the phthalocyanine compound is added to concrete or mortar.

Abstract: The present invention describes fluorochemical foam stabilizers used in combination with surfactants to yield foams that are exceptionally stable in cementitious media. The stabilized foams that incorporate these fluorochemical agents are useful as novel ultra-lightweight foam aggregates in concrete compositions of tailorable density, strength, and other properties. Methods of making concrete compositions that include such foam aggregates are also described.

Abstract: An injection cement on the basis of micro cement is described that comprises corrosion inhibitors, preferably salt-like products of the neutralisation of amines with acids. Said cement is in particular suitable for the restoration and improvement of the corrosion resistance of buildings comprising fine cracks and cavities laying far below the surface.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the production of a homogeneously waterproofed concrete (integrally waterproofed concrete) in which an aqueous hydrolysable, emulsion containing organosilicon compounds is added before curing to the fresh concrete mix prepared from water, inorganic and optionally organic constituents, which emulsion contains at least one alkoxysilane and optionally an organosilicon compound acting as a surfactant.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a polymer dispersant comprising a substituted polyimide or polyamide backbone, having at least some proportion of oligomeric or polymeric grafted side chains including one of amides, esters, and thioesters, having the general formula: wherein X is at least one of hydrogen, an alkali earth metal ion, an alkaline earth metal ion, ammonium ion, and amine; R is at least one of C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 alkyl(ene) ether and mixtures thereof and C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 alkyl(ene) imine and mixtures thereof; Q is at least one of oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur; p is a number from 1 to about 300 resulting in at least one of a linear and branched side chain; R.sub.1 is at least one of hydrogen, C.sub.1 to C.sub.

Abstract: Described herein is the use of a combination of organic additives that is particularly advantageous for the preparation of cementitious compositions having a high conservation of the degree of white, which contain in mass a photocatalyst that is able to oxidize, in the presence of light, air and ambient humidity, pollutant substances present in the environment, the said photocatalyst being, in particular, titanium dioxide prevalently in the form of anatase.The above combination of additives comprises the following: a melamine resin; a cellulose ether; a polymer chosen from among an ethylene polymer, an acrylic polymer, and a terpolymer comprising as co-monomers at least one ester of acrylic acid with an alcohol and at least one ester of vinyl alcohol with a carboxylic acid, or alternatively, an acrylic, styrene or butadiene latex; and a chemically modified starch.

Abstract: This invention discloses a polymer composition, a cement slurry containing said polymer composition and a method of using the cement slurry to cement a borehole penetrating a subsurface earth formation wherein the polymer composition is made by polymerizing a vinylamide morpholine derivative with a styrene sulfonic acid salt in the presence of a humate. The polymer composition operates to reduce fluid loss from the cement slurry to the subsurface formation.

Abstract: This invention discloses a polymer composition, a cement slurry containing said polymer composition and a method of using the cement slurry to cement a borehole penetrating a subsurface earth formation wherein the polymer composition is made by polymerizing a vinylamide morpholine derivative and at least one branched N-vinylamide derivative in the presence of a humate. The polymer composition operates to reduce fluid loss from the cement slurry to the subsurface formation.

Abstract: This invention relates to enhancing the compressive strength of cements after 1, 3, 7 and 28 days following hydration and to improving porosity and finished surfaces of the hardened cements and concretes made therefrom. The improved cements are prepared using certain hydroxylamine additives in amounts of up to 0.1% which preferably are added during grinding of the cement in which case the amines further act as grinding aids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing mortar/concrete compositions by incorporating into the mortar/concrete compositions either before or during the mixing operation a water-dispersible polyisocyanate whicha) has an average isocyanate functionality of 1.8 to 4.0,b) contains 4.0 to 25.0 wt. % of aliphatically and/or cycloaliphatically bound isocyanate groups (calculated as NCO; molecular weight=42) andc) contains 5 to 80 wt. % of ethylene oxide units present within polyether chains (calculated as C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O; molecular weight=44), in whichd) the polyether chains contain an average of 5 to 50 ethylene oxide units.

Abstract: An accelerating admixture for use with spraying cementitious compositions such as shotcrete comprises (a) a compound selected from aluminium hydroxide, aluminium hydroxysulphate and mixtures thereof, and (b) an acidic substance which essentially does not react with the compound. The preferred acid substances are organic acids.

Abstract: This invention discloses a composition and a method of using the composition to cement a borehole penetrating a subsurface earth formation. The composition, the random polymerization product of two or three different vinyl-containing monomers including a vinylamide morpholine derivative, operates to reduce fluid loss from the cement slurry used to cement the borehole to the subsurface formation.

Abstract: Fiber additives for addition to proportioned concrete comprise a plurality of thermoplastic fibers having a profile geometry defined by the equation, ##EQU1## wherein the amplitude a.sub.0 falls within a range of from about 0.1 d.sub.f to 2.0 d.sub.f and the period .lambda. falls within a range of from about 2 d.sub.f to 15 d.sub.f for fibers having a diameter d.sub.f of from about 0.5 to about 1 mm; the peak pull-out stress .sigma..sub.peak and the specific pull-out energy absorbed to a maximal displacement of 7.5 mm .psi..sub.peak, both increase linearly with a deformity factor defined by the equation, ##EQU2## where .alpha.=0.8 and .beta.=-1, such that the peak pull-out stress is defined by the equation, ##EQU3## and the specific pull-out energy is defined by the equation, ##EQU4## the fiber additives having an optimimum deformity,D.sub.optimum .apprxeq.(0.5 to 1)D.sub.critical,D.sub.critical being that deformity where the ultimate tensile strength of the fiber equals k.sub.1 D.sub.

Abstract: A hydraulic-cement setting retarder included in concrete, mortars, or grouts to control setting time as a function of the retarder dosage. Specifically, the retarder is a cyclic amino resin of formula (I): ##STR1## where (a) R1 is a hydrogen atom, a hydroxymethal radial or a group of formula (II)CH.sub.2 --O--R (II)(b) R.sub.2 is a group of formula (II),(c) R is a linear or branched C1-C4 alkyl radical, or a group of formula (III) ##STR2## (d) R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 each are a hydrogen atom, and C1-C4 linear or branched alkyl radical or a group of formula (III).