Analyzing the Role of Construction Additives in Modern Infrastructure Development

Highlights:

• An introduction to construction additives
• Popular forms construction chemicals
• The rise of sustainable additive manufacturing technology
• Notable acquisitions by top players in the sector

Construction additives are substances added to construction materials like concrete, cement, and mortar to enhance their properties such as strength, durability, workability, and setting time. These additives play a key role in modern construction by improving the performance and sustainability of building materials. There are various types of concrete additives based on their impact on freshly mixed or hardened material. These include concrete deflocculants, plasticizers, air-entraining agents, water-repellent admixtures, as well as setting retarders and accelerators.

A look into advanced construction additives

Set-retarding admixtures are common construction additives that slow down concrete setting. These admixtures slow down the chemical reaction during the setting process, helping to delay hardening. These additives are particularly useful in high-temperature conditions, where they counteract the accelerated setting caused by heat. In concrete pavements, set retarders extend the finishing time, reducing costs by minimizing the need for an additional concrete batch plant on-site. They also help prevent cracking caused by form deflection, especially when horizontal slabs are poured in sections.

On the other hand, mortar additives enhance workability and durability in masonry and plastering. They include bond enhancers, set accelerators, and workability enhancers, improving strength and resistance to environmental factors like freezing and thawing. These additives help dry mortar perform consistently while keeping costs low. They also reduce efflorescence and water absorption, ensuring long-term structural integrity.

Furthermore, rheological additives enhance the flow and stability of construction materials. Companies like Elementis and Tolsa offer these additives, which improve workability and application properties. Several products of Tolsa that are mainly based on natural silicates, provide excellent rheology for cement, gypsum, and resin systems, preventing sagging and settling. These additives ensure optimal performance and durability while minimizing costs, making them essential for various construction applications.

3D additive manufacturing in driving sustainable construction

Sustainable additive manufacturing in the construction sector, particularly through 3D concrete printing, offers significant environmental benefits. It minimizes material waste by up to 90% and reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% compared to traditional methods. The use of sustainable materials like recycled aggregates and supplementary cementitious materials further lowers carbon footprints. Additionally, additive manufacturing enables intricate designs that optimize structural efficiency, reducing material usage while maintaining performance. This technology also supports on-site fabrication, reducing transportation needs and enhancing resource efficiency. The rise of 3D concrete printing technology is likely to revolutionize construction processes and create wider opportunities in the construction additive industry.

Saint-Gobain and Forsoc came together to enhance construction offerings

In February 2025, Saint-Gobain, a leading designer and distributor of materials and solutions for the construction industry announced its acquisition of Forsoc, a renowned construction chemicals player. This acquisition represents a big step for Saint-Gobain in establishing its global presence in construction materials. With this agreement, the company has gained access to newer territories across 76 countries. Forsoc provides a wide array of technical solutions for the construction industry, including admixtures and additives for concrete and cement, adhesives and sealants, waterproofing solutions, concrete repair solutions, and flooring. By utilizing its expertise in offering these technical solutions for the construction industry, Saint-Gobain aims to strengthen its global presence in high-growth emerging markets.

Thermax and Buildtech joined hands to strengthen construction chemical solutions

In October 2024, Thermax Ltd., a leading energy and environment solutions company acquired Buildtech Products India Pvt Ltd., a renowned provider of repair solutions. This agreement shows the strategic move of Thermax to support India’s growing infrastructure needs by providing advanced chemical solutions. Ashish Bhandari, MD & CEO of Thermax, stated that construction chemicals remain a key focus for Thermax. He highlighted Buildtech's strong industry reputation, citing its expertise in civil repairs, waterproofing, and high-rise building maintenance as key strengths. He further emphasized that this acquisition reinforces Thermax’s dedication to India's infrastructure growth, enabling the company to meet the industry's evolving demands with advanced and specialized solutions.

Final words

Construction additives have become essential components of modern construction projects. These technical solutions enhance infrastructure development by improving strength, durability, and sustainability. Moreover, the rising demand for low-carbon alternatives in construction materials is going to promote the development of innovative construction additives in the coming years.

To gain more details about the various types of construction additives, get in touch with our industry specialists today!

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