Calculator Inputs
Example Data Table
| Concrete volume (m³) | Cement content (kg/m³) | Dosage basis | Dosage input | Density (kg/L) | Dosage mass (kg) | Dosage volume (L) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.000 | 350 | % by cement | 0.800 % | 1.10 | 14.000 | 12.727 |
| 2.500 | 400 | kg/100 kg | 0.900 kg | 1.08 | 9.000 | 8.333 |
| 8.000 | 320 | L/100 kg | 0.600 L | 1.12 | 17.203 | 15.360 |
Formula Used
- Total cement (kg) = Volume (m³) × Cement content (kg/m³)
- Dosage mass (kg) = Total cement × (Dosage % / 100) (percent basis)
- Dosage mass (kg) = (Total cement / 100) × (kg per 100 kg)
- Dosage volume (L) = Dosage mass (kg) / Density (kg/L)
- Dosage mass (kg) = Dosage volume (L) × Density (kg/L) (liter basis)
- Active solids (kg) = Dosage mass × (Solids % / 100)
- Cost = Dosage volume × Cost/L or Dosage mass × Cost/kg
- Adjusted w/c = Target w/c × (1 − Water reduction % / 100) (rough estimate)
How to Use This Calculator
- Choose a cement input mode based on how your batch is specified.
- Enter concrete volume and cement content, or enter total cement directly.
- Select the dosage basis that matches your admixture datasheet.
- Enter product density and active solids for conversions and reporting.
- Optionally add cost rates and a recommended dosage range for warnings.
- Click Calculate to see results above the form and export options.
- Use the CSV or PDF buttons to store a batch record.
Professional Guide
1) What a Superplasticizer Does
High-range water reducers increase workability by dispersing cement grains. You can keep the same slump with less water, or keep the same water and gain flow for placing, pumping, and consolidation. The aim is uniform rheology with fewer voids and better surface finish.
2) Practical Dosage Window
Field dosing often falls near 0.4% to 1.6% of cement mass, but actual needs vary with cement chemistry, fines, temperature, and target slump or flow. This calculator supports percent, kilograms per 100 kg cement, or liters per 100 kg cement, so you can match any datasheet.
3) Mass–Volume Conversion
Sites usually measure admixture by volume. Density commonly sits around 1.05–1.20 kg/L, so a mass-based specification must be converted to liters for accurate batching. Enter the supplier density, then the calculator reports both kilograms and liters for the same dose.
4) Active Solids Reporting
Products differ in concentration, often about 30–40% solids. Reporting active solids helps compare brands and lot changes. For example, 14.0 kg at 35% solids contains 4.9 kg of active material. Tracking solids improves consistency when procurement changes during a project.
5) Mix Design Sensitivities
Cement content for structural concrete frequently ranges 300–450 kg/m³. Higher cement or very fine aggregates can require more dispersant to reach the same workability. Supplementary cementitious materials and certain sands can shift water demand, so adjust dosage gradually and verify with trial batches.
6) Water Reduction Estimate
Water reduction claims are commonly 10–25% for high-range reducers, yet realized reduction depends on mixing energy and the slump target. If you enter a target w/c and a reduction estimate, the calculator provides a quick adjusted w/c value for documentation and comparison.
7) Site Controls and Timing
Compatibility matters: monitor slump retention, air content, temperature, and setting time when using multiple admixtures. Keep mixing time consistent and record when the admixture is added, especially if you use delayed addition at the truck. Small procedural changes can shift results.
8) Cost, Logs, and QA
Cost control improves when you log dosage per m³ and unit rates. For example, 2.8 kg/m³ at 0.90 per kg adds about 2.52 per m³. Export CSV or PDF results to keep batch records that support quality assurance, dispute resolution, and continuous improvement and helps crews repeat successful mixes across different placements and weather.
FAQs
1) Which dosage basis should I choose?
Use the same basis shown on your admixture datasheet. Percent by cement is common in labs, while liters or kilograms per 100 kg cement is common on sites and batching systems.
2) What density value should I enter?
Enter the product density from the supplier datasheet, or from a measured value on site. Density directly converts kilograms to liters, so accuracy improves batching repeatability.
3) Why does the calculator show active solids?
Solids content helps compare products with different concentrations. Two admixtures can have the same liters but different solids, which may affect performance when switching brands or lots.
4) Can over-dosing cause problems?
Yes. Excess dosage can increase segregation risk, slow setting, change air content, or cause strength variability. Stay within the supplier range and verify with trial batches and site tests.
5) Should I reduce water automatically?
Only after trial batches confirm stability. Some pours use the admixture mainly to increase slump without reducing water. If reducing water, do it gradually and monitor slump, air, and finish.
6) How do I estimate cost impact per pour?
Enter either cost per liter or cost per kilogram. The calculator then estimates total admixture cost for the batch, helping you compare alternatives and document value versus rework risk.
7) What tests should I record with dosage?
Record slump or flow, temperature, air content, unit weight, time of addition, and set behavior. Pair these with dosage and cement mass to build a reliable history across projects.
Accurate dosing supports durable concrete and safer placements today.