FAQs

1. What is cellular or foamed concrete?

Cellular or foamed concrete is the introduction of air into concrete mixtures. Air-entrained concrete is created when small air bubbles are introduced as an addition to a concrete mix. The addition increases workability and once hardened, makes the concrete more durable with less cracking, shrinking and weather resistant.

2. How is Stable Air® different from previous cellular concrete attempts?

With over a decade of research, our product has overcome the challenge of creating a consistent foam. This precision and predictability separates Stable Air® from its peers, in addition to the fact that it is non-collapsing up to 10 feet, lasts up to 4 hours in a mix truck and has 3 times the dilution rates or most competitors, saving customers both material costs and labor expenses.

3.  How does Stable Air® get water into its micro-bubbles?

Through its patented method and foam generator, the CCT Stable Air® foam generator forces water into millions of micro-bubbles within a creamy, white foam.

4. How much Stable Air® foam should I specify in my concrete mixes and what is the cost per cubic foot?

It depends on your type of mix and application – but it is safe to say that a 6-8% mix will give the concrete very good freeze-thaw protection, and make the mixture lighter. The following guide will help you determine the amount of Stable Air® to entrain, by use and/or benefit:

5. Most air-entrainment systems are highly volatile and hard to predict (their air volumes require much effort to maintain specified volumes). What makes Stable Air® different?

The main difference is that the “tough bubbles” are formed outside of the concrete mix at the prescribed unit volume, and have characteristics that allow them to survive the rigors of the mix environment.

6. Tell me about your copyrighted Design Mix calculator and Savings software programs:

It’s simple. Just enter your mix design elements, as volumes or weights; and watch the program automically calculate.

7. How much can I save on my most popular mixes?

Many users can save 5% while achieving freeze/thaw protection; others are saving 20% on lightweight mixes.

8. Is there someone I can contact for their testimonial?

You may contact E-Z Block Systems an ICF manufacturer as a referral.

9. Can you provide us with savings on regular heavyweight mixes?

Yes, in some cases. In most cases, you’ll save on freight, wear and tear on trucks, etc.

10. What advantages does this system provide for flowable fill/backfill?

Both Flowable Fill and Back Fill are very flowable, self-leveling – but ceases to flow when pumping is stopped and is without segregation. The stability of air volume makes it easy to maintain unit weight and, therefore, strength.

11. What is the cost for your equipment?

For pricing information, visit our Contact page.

12. Does the customer own the equipment?

Yes.

13. Are there any other charges after we start using the system?

Only the expense for the foaming agent chemicals you use.

14. Are there steps the customer should take to maintain good working order?

Open the drain valve and empty the water every night if freezing or near-freezing temperatures are expected. Store the unit and chemicals in a non-freezing environment.

15. How do we purchase this air system and what payment programs are available?

You can make a one-time payment up front, arrange your own financing, or we can assist you in arranging external equipment financing.

16. What physical components or processes will hurt the Stable Air® bubble?

Manufactured quartz sand, excessive vibration over 1,500 rpm, and dropping the concrete mix too great of a distance (use a chute instead).

17. What kind of testing are you able to do?

We can do 7-day, 14-day and 28-day compression strength testing (for psi) customized to your specifications using your materials or ours.

18. What type of testing has been done outside your company with your new air system?

Many different tests by qualified labs for many years – please see website for details; also significant other testing has been performed by ready mix companies including some of the largest companies in the world. Results are very positive and confidential.

19. Is this new technology only good for lightweight designs?

No, it is good for most designs. Let us test several of your most popular mix designs.

20. What divisions of the concrete industry will this product work best?

In tilt-up buildings, flatwork, roadways, and ready-mix.

21. How long has this technology been around?

About twenty years; after much testing and patenting, CCT Stable Air® is ready to distribute its systems worldwide.

22. Will it make strength/weight requirements?

Yes, from 125 – 7000+ psi.

23. Will it meet the air requirement?

Yes, in most cases.

24. Will it meet the air requirements called for on the plans?

Yes.

25. Is it user friendly for the contractor?

Yes, simply input the number of yards to be poured into the Design Mix software – and dial in the software-specified time into the Foam Generator timer.

26. Is there a break-even point on cost for lightweight aggregate?

Most lightweight aggregate in North America will cost you $100 or more per ton. By substituting Stable Air®, you should save – on average – 17 – 24% on your concrete mix costs.

27. What about shrinkage, bleeding and blistering?

Shrinkage is a common issue for most flowable fill companies, who can only pour at 4-5 ft because of loss of air volume. With the Stable Air® flowable fill mix design, we have nearly zero shrinkage with pours at 10 ft. and beyond. Blistering and bleeding are in large part caused by poor sands and bleed water. Stable Air® corrects much of the problems with poor sands and has low W/C ratios; thus, these problems are reduced.