Product Overview

SikaTard® R is a set-retarding and stabilising admixture based on a special polymer composition that controls cement hydration in concrete, mortar and grout. By slowing the initial set, it extends the open time of a mix, which is invaluable for large-volume pours, long transport distances, hot-weather concreting and tunnel backfill grouting where premature stiffening would cause problems. Crucially it retards without sacrificing performance: after the controlled delay, hardening proceeds and ultimate strengths can be enhanced, while slump and flow stay consistent and surface finish improves. The product is chloride-free, so it is non-corrosive to embedded reinforcement. It serves RMC producers, mass-concrete contractors and tunnelling specialists. Space Arc Engineering, an Authorized Project Distributor, supplies SikaTard® R across India with application support.

Features & Benefits

• Extends open time and prevents cold joints during large or staged pours
• Increases setting time in hot weather, easing placement and finishing
• Chloride-free formulation that is non-corrosive to steel reinforcement
• Supports accelerated hardening after the set delay, aiding ultimate strength
• Maintains sustained slump and flow for stable, workable mixes
• Improves surface finish while stabilising backfill grouts in tunnelling

Technical Highlights

Applications

• Mass concrete in dams, rafts and large foundations to control heat and cold joints
• Tunnel and shaft backfill grout requiring extended open time and stabilisation
• Hot-climate RMC supply across long haul distances in Indian summer conditions
• Bridge decks and large slabs poured in stages to avoid premature stiffening
• High-rise raft and transfer slabs where staged placement demands set control