CASTECHES 520

About

CASTECH ES-520 is an advanced, dual-action liquid admixture engineered for ready-mix and precast concrete. Utilizing a specialized polymer and accelerator blend, it optimizes cement hydration through a combination of electrostatic particle dispersion and chemical acceleration. This synergistic mechanism provides exceptional water reduction, extended workability, and rapid early-age strength development—even in cold weather conditions.

Typical uses

The excellent dispersion properties of CASTECH ES-520 make it the ideal admixture for precast and ready mixed concrete where low water cement ratios are required. This property allows the production of very high early and high ultimate strength concrete with minimal voids and therefore optimum density. Due to the strength development characteristics, the elimination or reduction of steam curing in precast works be considered as an economical option.

Compatibility

CASTECH ES-520 is compatible with all Portland cements that meet recognized international standards. HPS-002 must not be used in conjunction with any other admixture unless prior approval is received from CASTECH Technical Department. CASTECH ES-520 is suitable for mixes containing: Micro silica Pulverized fuel ash Ground granulated blast furnace slag cement.

Benefits

High water reduction efficiency

Accelerated early strength development

Reduced setting time

Improved workability and flow

Enhanced surface finish

Faster formwork removal

• Increased production efficiency for precast plants
• Improved durability and density of concrete
• Compatible with most cement types and supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs)

The contractor / applicator

• Easier placing and faster strength development
• Improved concrete surfaces

The engineer

• Assurance that concrete meets original specification
• High quality durable concrete

Advantages

During mixing and placement

• High workability without segregation or bleeding
• Can be placed and compacted in congested reinforcement
• Reduced labor requirement
• Improved surface finish
• Chloride free

Effect on hardened concrete properties

• Increased early and ultimate compressive strengths
• Increased flexural strength
• Higher E modulus
• Improved adhesion to reinforcing and stressing steel
• Better resistance to carbonation
• Lower permeability
• Better resistance to aggressive atmospheric conditions
• Reduced shrinkage and creep

Increased durability

Dosage

The normal dosage for CASTECH ES-520 is between 0.5% and 2.0% per 100 kg of cement (cementitious material). Dosages outside this range are permissible subject to trial mixes.

Application

HPS-002 is a ready to use admixture that is added to the concrete at the time of batching. The maximum effect is achieved when the CASTECH ES-520 is added after the addition of 70% to 80% of the water. CASTECH ES-520 must not be added to the dry materials. Thorough mixing is essential and a minimum mixing cycle, after the addition of the CASTECH ES-520, of 90 seconds for forced action mixers is recommended.

Curing

As with all structural concrete, normal curing methods apply.

Packaging

CASTECH ES-520 is available in IBC, 210-liter drums and in bulk tanks upon request.

Storage & shelf life

CASTECH ES-520 should be protected from extreme temperature. Should the material become frozen, it must be completely thawed and thoroughly mixed before use. CASTECH ES-520 has a minimum shelf life of 6 months provided temperature is kept within range 5 o C to 30 0 C.

Health & safety

Health & Safety

CASTECH ES-520 is non-toxic. Any splashes to the skin should be washed immediately with water. Splashes to the eyes should be washed immediately with water and medical advice should be sought.