Method of reducing alkali-silica reaction for embedding aggregate in concrete and mitigating detrimental effects of freeze-thaw in concrete

Abstract

A method for forming a concrete slab at a location subject to freezing temperatures is disclosed. Additionally, a method for forming a concrete slab with aggregate embedded at the exposed surface of the concrete slab is disclosed. The method contemplates utilization of a waterproof concrete mix.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of producing a concrete slab having an exposed surface seeded aggregate, the method comprising the steps of:
 providing a concrete mixture having a waterproof admixture to produce a waterproof concrete mix;   after the providing step, pouring the waterproof concrete mix over the subgrade, the waterproof concrete mix defining an exposed surface when poured;   bringing up a quantity of cement/fines paste to the exposed surface of the waterproof concrete mix;   broadcasting a quantity of aggregate upon the exposed surface of the waterproof concrete mix;   mixing the quantity of aggregate into the quantity of cement/fines paste; and   curing the waterproof concrete mix.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the aggregate is selected from the group consisting of glass, silica glass, organic materials, sea shells, course sand, Monterey Aquarium course sand and mollusk. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the aggregate is prone to alkali-silica reaction and the waterproofing admixture mitigates the alkali-silica reaction between the alkali-silica prone aggregate and the concrete mixture to facilitate secure embedment of the alkali-silica prone aggregate in the concrete slab. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3  wherein the aggregate is glass, silica glass, organic materials, sea shells of marine animals and mollusk, metal, composite materials and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the bringing up step is accomplished with a vibrating metal bull float. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the mixing step is accomplished with a vibrating metal bull float. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising the step of finishing the exposed surface of the concrete mixture with a power trowel to facilitate an even distribution of the quantity of aggregate within the quantity of cement/fines paste. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the pouring step includes the step of pouring the waterproof concrete mix over the subgrade at a location subject to freezing temperature, wherein the waterproofing admixture mitigates detrimental effects of freeze thaw on the concrete slab. 
     
     
         9 . A method of forming a concrete slab which mitigates detrimental effects of freeze-thaw, the method comprising the steps of:
 forming a subgrade at a location subject to freezing temperatures;   providing a concrete mixture having a waterproof admixture to produce a waterproof concrete mix;   after the providing step, pouring the waterproof concrete mix over the subgrade, wherein the waterproofing admixture mitigates detrimental effects of freeze thaw on the concrete slab.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9  wherein the waterproofing admixture transforms into a polymer to mitigate absorption of water into the concrete slab. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 9  wherein the waterproofing admixture generates a crystalline formation to mitigate absorption of water into the concrete slab.