Solving Shrinkage-Induced Splitting in Mass Concrete: The Rise of Calcium Oxide Expanding Agents

https://www.qyresearch.com/reports/5543997/calcium-oxide-expanding-agent

Problem
A large infrastructure contractor faced persistent challenges in mass concrete structures, including shrinkage-induced Splitting, dimensional instability, and reduced long-term durability. In large-volume pours such as foundations and underground structures, internal tensile stresses generated during cement hydration increased the risk of Splitting, threatening structural integrity, service life, and maintenance costs.

Solution
The contractor incorporated a high-performance Calcium Oxide (CaO) Expanding Agent into the concrete mix design. Produced from carefully calcined active lime, the CaO expanding agent reacts with water during cement hydration to form calcium hydroxide. This reaction generates controlled micro-expansion, precisely compensating for concrete shrinkage and reducing internal tensile stress. The additive demonstrated strong compatibility with Portland cement systems and provided predictable, stable expansion behavior throughout the curing process.

Result
With the CaO expanding agent in place, the contractor achieved significant improvements in Split control, dimensional stability, and long-term structural durability. Shrinkage-related Splitting was effectively minimized, enhancing the integrity and lifespan of mass concrete structures. Compared with conventional shrinkage-reducing admixtures, the solution delivered more reliable performance and long-term stability, making it particularly suitable for foundations, tunnels, dams, basements, and nuclear or hydraulic structures where durability and safety are critical.

Impact
This case demonstrates how Calcium Oxide Expanding Agents address a fundamental problem in modern concrete engineering-shrinkage-induced stress and Splitting-by providing a proven, scalable, and durable solution. As a result, these additives have become an essential material choice in large-scale infrastructure construction. QY Research has recently published a comprehensive market study on Calcium Oxide Expanding Agents, with key findings summarized below.

Core Market Data

Global market size: USD 683 million
CAGR (2024-2030): 5.2%
Average price: USD 210 per ton
Annual production: 3.25 million tons
Gross margin: 22%
Production capacity: 3.85 million tons

List of Main Players

Carmeuse (Belgium)
Lhoist (Belgium)
Buxton Lime (UK)
Graymont (Canada)
Austin White Lime (USA)
Mississippi Lime (USA)
Greer Lime Company (USA)
Kish Company (USA)
Chemical-Huitong (China)
Changshu Hongyu Calcium (China)
Runfu Ca Mg Chemical (China)
Shandong Useen Calcium (China)

1. By Expansion Grade

Low-Expansion Grade (0.02-0.05%)
Medium-Expansion Grade (0.05-0.10%)
High-Expansion Grade (0.10-0.20%)

2. By Hydration Speed

Fast-Hydration
Controlled-Hydration
Delayed-Hydration

3. By Application

Precast Concrete Production
On-Site Construction Formwork

Case Study for Bidding

Time: March 2024
Supplier: Anhui Conch Cement
Buyer: National Infrastructure Construction Group (China)
Product: High-Reactivity Calcium Oxide Expanding Agent (Mass Concrete Grade)
Quantity: 185,000 tons
Contract Value: USD 38.6 million
Delivery Timeline: February 2025

Detailed Application Scenario

The infrastructure contractor incorporated Anhui Conch's calcium oxide expanding agent into large-volume concrete pours for underground stations and foundation slabs. During hydration, the controlled expansion behavior effectively compensated for thermal and drying shrinkage, reducing early-age Splitting and improving dimensional stability. This resulted in fewer repair interventions, improved water tightness, and enhanced long-term durability of the structures.

The expanding agent demonstrated excellent compatibility with cement, fly ash, and slag systems, maintaining consistent workability and strength development. By mitigating shrinkage-induced stresses, the project achieved higher construction quality, lower lifecycle maintenance costs, and improved structural reliability. The case clearly illustrates why calcium oxide expanding agents are indispensable additives in modern high-performance concrete engineering.

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This release was published on openPR.