Benefits of Using Air-Entrained Concrete | BellevueNebraska
When it comes to choosing the right type of concrete for your construction projects, there’s a special formulation that stands out — air-entrained concrete. Whether you're building sidewalks, driveways, bridges, or large structures, understanding the unique advantages of this material can save you time, money, and effort in the long run. At BellevueNebraska, we pride ourselves on using the latest, most reliable building techniques to ensure the highest quality results for every project.
Let’s dive into why air-entrained concrete might be the best choice for your next project!
What is Air-Entrained Concrete?
Air-entrained concrete is a type of concrete in which tiny air bubbles are deliberately incorporated into the mix. These microscopic air pockets are uniformly distributed throughout the concrete and serve an important purpose: they improve the durability of concrete, especially in environments exposed to freeze-thaw cycles.
The air bubbles are created by adding specific air-entraining agents (like surfactants) during mixing. These agents stabilize the tiny air pockets so they remain evenly spaced and don’t collapse during the setting process.
1. Increased Freeze-Thaw Resistance
One of the most important benefits of air-entrained concrete is its resistance to freeze-thaw damage. In cold climates, concrete structures often absorb water. When the temperature drops, the water freezes, expands, and can crack the concrete.
The tiny air bubbles in air-entrained concrete act like small “shock absorbers.” They provide space for the water to expand into, reducing internal stress and preventing cracking or scaling. This makes it ideal for outdoor applications like driveways, sidewalks, and bridges.
Air-entrained concrete is much easier to work with compared to traditional concrete. Thanks to the microscopic bubbles, the mixture becomes more plastic, which means it can be placed, molded, and finished with less effort.
For construction crews and DIY builders alike, this means:
Easier troweling and leveling
Better workability translates directly into faster project completion and higher-quality finishes.
Beyond freeze-thaw resistance, air-entrained concrete exhibits greater resistance to other forms of deterioration such as:
Alkali-aggregate reactions
Because of this, air-entrained concrete is often chosen for infrastructure projects like highways, airport runways, seawalls, and bridges, where long-term durability is essential.
Concrete's strength is partly determined by how much water and other substances can penetrate it. Air-entrained concrete tends to have lower permeability than regular concrete.
Lower risk of corrosion in reinforcing steel
Longer lifespan of the structure
Lower permeability also improves the concrete's ability to resist chemical attacks, ensuring your project remains strong for decades.
While adding air-entraining agents does increase initial material costs slightly, the long-term savings are significant. With reduced maintenance needs, fewer repairs, and longer service life, air-entrained concrete is an economically smart choice.
Contractors, property owners, and city planners appreciate that structures made with air-entrained concrete require less frequent patching, resurfacing, or replacement, leading to lower lifecycle costs.
FAQs About Air-Entrained Concrete
1. Where is air-entrained concrete most commonly used?
Air-entrained concrete is mainly used in environments where concrete is exposed to freeze-thaw cycles. Common applications include driveways, sidewalks, patios, parking lots, roadways, airport runways, bridges, and seawalls.
2. Does air-entrained concrete compromise strength?
Adding air does slightly reduce the compressive strength of the concrete (usually by about 5%-7%). However, this minor strength reduction is generally offset by the dramatic increase in durability, especially in cold climates.
3. Can all types of concrete benefit from air entrainment?
Not necessarily. Air-entrained concrete is specifically valuable in exterior applications or environments prone to moisture and freezing. For interior concrete surfaces (like indoor floors where temperatures are stable), air entrainment might not be necessary.
4. How much air should be entrained in the concrete?
Typically, 4% to 8% of the concrete's volume should consist of air bubbles. The exact percentage depends on the specific application and environmental conditions. At BellevueNebraska, we carefully design the concrete mix to suit your project's unique needs.
5. How do you ensure proper air entrainment in the concrete mix?
Professional concrete contractors use precise air-entraining admixtures and monitor the mix during batching and pouring. Special testing methods, such as pressure meters, can verify that the air content meets specifications. Trusting a professional team like BellevueNebraska ensures your concrete will have the correct properties.
Why Choose BellevueNebraska for Your Concrete Needs?
At BellevueNebraska, we bring decades of experience to every job site. We understand that high-quality results come from using the right materials combined with expert craftsmanship. When it comes to exterior projects — where durability, resistance, and long-term performance matter — air-entrained concrete is often our top recommendation.
We work closely with our clients to design and deliver solutions tailored to their exact requirements. Whether you're planning a residential driveway, a large commercial sidewalk, or a government infrastructure project, we’re ready to help you build something strong, beautiful, and built to last.
If you want a consultation or more information about using air-entrained concrete in your next project, contact the team at BellevueNebraska today!
