Lafarge launch Chronolia Weathermix

Winter weather no obstacle for new concrete mix designed to set at low temperatures

LAFARGE have launched a new cold-beating ready-mixed concrete designed to set even at low temperatures. Chronolia Weathermix can tolerate far colder conditions than standard concrete with an accelerated setting time to allow construction to continue even in wintry weather.

According to Nick Yell, product development manager in the Readymix division at Lafarge Aggregates & Concrete UK, the product is a brand new innovation for the UK.

‘The idea is Weathermix is less sensitive to cold weather conditions than conventional concrete,’ he said. ‘While it is not an anti-freeze concrete, because of its mix design it sets more quickly and produces its heat much better than conventional concrete. This means it can be used in winter weather situations where conventional concrete would struggle to set.’

Based on Lafarge’s fast-setting Chronolia mix, Weathermix can be placed in temperatures between +3 and –7 degrees centigrade and, as long as it is protected overnight, should achieve sufficient maturity by the next day to resist ongoing winter conditions.

‘It is imperative the customer protects the concrete – it is all about trapping the heat in so it will cook and gain strength quickly,’ added Mr Yell. ‘This is the benefit of Chronolia Weathermix, as conventional concrete would actually struggle to set sufficiently in colder temperatures.’