EFCA is the European Federation of Concrete Admixtures Associations

EFCA was formed in 1984 as a partnership between National Admixture Associations in order to promote the interests of the industry at European level. See membership page for details and web links to individual members.

News Briefs:

Urs Mäder (Swiss Association) was formally sworn in as the EFCA president at this year’s General Assembly. Henriette Dikmans (Netherlands Association) takes over as 1st Vice President and Norbert Schröter (German Association) continues as 2nd Vice President.

The main task of the EFCA Environmental Committee is REACH and a separate Task Force was set up earlier this year. The Task Force is working closely with the German Association on the development of a method for communicating User information to raw material suppliers for the creation of Exposure Scenarios for extended Safety Data Sheets required for hazardous substances. The Environmental Committee is also in the process of setting up a Task Force to look into the revision the current admixture Environmental Product Declarations to bring them in line with current developments of the CPR.

The EFCA Technical Committee is looking to introduce a test method to allow Viscosity Modifying Admixtures (VMAs) for segregation resistance in Self Compacting Concrete (SCC) to be standardised within the EN934 Series. The Technical Committee has also set up a task Force to prepare Guidelines for classification and utilization of Mould Release Agents (MRAs).

The European Concrete Platform website has been revised and can be visited at  www.europeanconcrete.eu. Numerous publications relating to the Eurocodes, Energy Efficiency, Fire safety, Structural Codes and Sustainable Construction can be downloaded from the site. Key ECP documents are also available from the EFCA PUBLICATIONS page.

EFCA is preparing to launch an Extranet for members use only, to contain details of forthcoming meetings and record the activities of the various EFCA Committees and work done in co-operation with CEPMC and ECP.

Admixtures:
Admixtures are chemicals added to concrete, mortar or grout to modify the properties of the mix in the plastic and/or the hardened state. They are normally supplied as an aqueous solution to facilitate accurate addition through a dispenser. Most admixtures are classified as completely harmless and require no hazard labelling under the GHS system.

The quantity of admixture added is usually based on the cement content and for most admixtures is in the range 0.2 to 2.0% by weight.  In terms of active chemical this equates to less than 0.15% on a typical concrete mix. Even at this low content they have a powerful effect, modifying the water requirement, setting time or other properties.

Admixture use optimises a concrete mix, improving properties including strength and durability as well helping to reduce its environmental impact.