Accelerating portland cement and sand mixtures with dry calcium chloride

Abstract

The present disclosure generally relates to backfill compositions of Portland cement, sand and water that will solidify from a liquid state to solid at an accelerated rate, by the addition of dry calcium chloride. The addition of the dry calcium chloride allows the mixtures to solidify quicker than typical chemical admixtures designed for accelerating Portland cement concrete can achieve, including those containing commercially available calcium chloride in a liquid form. Additionally, disclosed compositions demonstrate improved freeze-thaw resistance in cold climates by utilizing higher cement contents and conventional air-entrainment. In some examples, the system improves durability in service by application of a cure-sealing compound to the surface of the backfill material.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.