KSC System-K™ — DATASHEET
Fiber-Reinforced KSC Shrinkage Compensating Concrete System
KSC System-K™ - DATASHEET [Printable PDF]KSC Type-K Concrete (also known as shrinkage-compensating concrete or expansive concrete) is used to reduce or eliminate joints and cracks. KSC Type-K Concrete is made by using ASTM C 845 KSC Type-K Cement instead of regular portland cement in the manufacturing of the concrete.
In 1966, CTS Cement Manufacturing Corporation began producing KSC Type-K Cement.
In 1991, CTS improved the process and began producing KSC Komponent™, which is expansive cement that is added to regular portland cement to produce KSC Type-K Cement.
Now, we have improved the process again. KSC System-K™ includes KSC Komponent™, and KSC K-Fiber™. Mix designs use about 15% KSC System-K™ and 85% locally available portland cement, so the expense of shipping portland cement around the country is eliminated.
KSC K-Fiber™: Unlike regular portland cement, KSC Type-K Cement expands rather than shrinks. Per ACI "...expansion will induce tension in the reinforcement and compression in the concrete. On subsequent drying, the shrinkage merely relieves the expansive strains." This means when KSC Type-K Cement is used to make KSC Type-K Concrete, it is imperative that the early expansion of the cement be restrained. Traditionally this has been done with rebar, welded wire fabric, or steel fibers. KSC K-Fiber™ is a patented synthetic fiber that is manufactured to our specifications and is a significantly less expensive option.
CTS Cement funded a testing program with UCLA to determine which fibers, if any, could best provide the required restraint. They cast and measured hundreds of beams using six different fiber materials, five different fiber lengths, six different fiber diameters, and eight different fiber dosages. Their testing showed that certain fibers can provide the required restraint. The testing showed which fiber and dosage gave the best results. That fiber has been named KSC K-Fiber™ and is available from CTS Cement Manufacturing Corporation as part of KSC System-K™
BENEFITS:
There is no new technology here. We have simply combined proven technologies to produce a new system. A system that provides some amazing benefits to the owner.
Few, if any, cracks: Since the cement and, therefore, the concrete tries to expand rather than shrink, cracks are dramatically reduced or totally eliminated.
Few, if any, joints: Construction joint spacing of 100 to 150 foot is common. ACI states "...contraction joints are eliminated."
Little, if any, curling: KSC Type-K Concrete will actually try to reverse curl (lift up in the middle), but the weight of the concrete prevents that and slabs stay flatter.
Little, if any, spalling: Cracks and joints that don't exist can't spall.
Minimal maintenance: Without cracks, joints, and curling, maintenance is minimal.
Lower life-cycle costs: Costs about the same or less initially, but saves a lot long term.
TYPICAL APPLICATIONS:
runways, pavement, bridges, reservoirs, tanks, secondary containment, parking garages, elevated decks, and highways.
BATCHING SYSTEM-K™ CONCRETE:
The KSC Komponent® and K-Fibers™ (collectively known as KSC System-K™) should be added at the concrete batch plant. Generally between 90 and 100 lbs. of KSC System-K™ replace an equivalent weight of portland cement per cubic yard of concrete.
Bulk KSC System-K™ should be weighed before the portland cement to ensure proper dosage. Bagged KSC System-K™ should be added directly to the aggregate belt along with the rock to ensure complete mixing.
Once the KSC System-K™ concrete is batched and in the ready-mix truck, let the concrete mix for about 5 minutes at 12 to 15 RPM.
Like other fiberous concrete, KSC System-K™ can exhibit an apparent slump loss in the first 20 minutes, especially in warmer temperatures. Superplasticizer or retarder can be added to the concrete to compensate for this. Contact a CTS Cement representative for recommended dosage rates.